Faust - MET HD - Personal Thoughts and link to finale

FAUST - music by Charles Gounod
Jonas Kaufmann, Rene Pape, Marina Poplavskaya, Russel Braun, Michele Losier, Wendy White
Conductor - Yannick Nezet-Seguin
I didn't have time to say everything - so here are 2 additional comments:
1. Russel Braun was excellent. Only first rate opera houses can have such top tier singing in supprting roles. He would be a star in a regional company.
2. Michele Losier was also terrific and I look forward to watching her career - I think there is a lot of potential, untapped as yet, for starring roles.
ENCORE DATE - JAN 11, 2012

finale
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwty6UKimgs

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Faust René Pape
• Marguerite Russell Braun
• Valentin
• Wagner
• Michèle Losier
• Marthe

[CKnickPianist]

I saw the encore screening of Faust. I did not like the concept at all, but it worked. I thought the acting and singing were excellent, and 100% agree that the orchestra was the real star. I loved Marina from the first moment she walked onstage...and I came to the theatre expecting to not like her, based on what I had read. It was my first Faust (though I knew the music well), and I was rather pleased! I enjoyed your review!

[cantorandopera]

@CKnickPianist Thanks! These are just my opinions but I am glad you enjoyed Marina - there is a lot to recommend there - she is just not for me in this role. Glad you liked the orchestra too.

[ingriddoppler]

Thank you for this interesting review ; last saturday I saw at a movietheatre the transmission of the mattine performance of this Faust ,and I very much agree with you about the "First class cast " as well as the conducter ~ however regarding the "production ", even though I have to admit that it was not all that "horrible ",(.. have seen much worse ), I defenetly cannot get fond of these " modernist stagings "

[cantorandopera]

@ingriddoppler Ingrid - I too prefer the productions that "go" with the story, but in order to keep interest in opera alive, many companies feel the need to stretch the boundaries of what the scenery and vision can provide, or they might lose current and future audiences.

[cantorandopera]

@ingriddoppler I also have a preference, in general, about traditional productions, but I thought this one had a lot to recommend. The concept was interesting, and the more I think about it, the fact that Faust and Mephistopheles dress alike, draws you to the conclusion that the devil is just in Faust's mind. . the other side of his personality.

[castodivo]

As always, I love these reviews. You really seem to know what you're talking about and you deliver your opinions so fairly. Even though you say you don't enjoy Faust or Gounod, you've made me actually want to investigate the opera a little further - haha. Have you heard Roméo et Juliette? I think it's a fabulous opera.

[cantorandopera]

@castodivo Well, re Romeo et Juliette - no, I don't like it - but the Met put on a production a few years ago that was so gorgeous, that I loved it. In general, I prefer the heavier music of the Italian school, or German, but many times a good cast or good conductor can change your mind. I have seen Faust many times, and this was by far the best experience I had with it. Thanks for commenting!

[ingriddoppler]

@cantorandopera You got a great point here, dear R. , thank you !

Have wonderful hollidays, will be seeing you again next year, Ingrid

[SusieQ4FOO]

I'm no opera expert, but I like your review. Was amused when Faust caught the flower she dropped from the balcony...must've taken some practice to get the timing right on that. I wonder what year that Singer sewing machine was from.

[joanabanyeres]

Joana. Greetings Rowan, l liked you Faust review. Truth , the best, the conductor, he knows the score. Kaufmann (when does he breathe ?)Really fantastic, his voice as baritone, is properly for Faust,( l don't like Faust, Italian tenors ) Faust is an old man.. and then we have to think a bit.. as does Jonas. We shall meet one day on Skype.. Love Joana.