Berlioz's The Damnation of Faust dramatizes his own inner experiences, including frustrated longings, lost religious faith, and a sense of ennui.
Critical Reception
When Berlioz conducted his Faust in Germany, the general reaction was deeply hostile, with some critics accusing him of 'slandering Mephistopheles' and German students.
Performer Biography
Karen Cargill, the mezzo-soprano singing Marguerite, was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Operatic Recording for her role in the Metropolitan Opera's recording of Poulenc's Dialogues des Carmélites.
Recording & Production
This recording was made at the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall on February 4, 2023, with Andrew Walton as producer and Deborah Spanton as engineer.
Compositional Technique
Berlioz uses a flattened sixth (B-flat in D major) to symbolize Faust's blighted felicity and the tritone (F-B) as a 'devil in music' motif throughout the score.
Historical Context
German audiences viewed Goethe's Faust as a national monument, expecting a hero who achieved redemption, which conflicted with Berlioz's portrayal of a damned Faust.
Performer Biography
Edward Gardner, the conductor, became Principal Conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra in 2021 and has also been Chief Conductor of the Bergen Philharmonic since 2015.
