The Washington herald., 1910-06-05
"Faust.1

One OF the most popular Of all grand
operas, founded upon GOethes legend,
and sung in all parts OF the world, Gou-
nod has written one Of the tenderest and
most melodious OF scores. and there is a
succession of solos, duets, and ensembles
which make it one OF the most enjoyable
of operas.
The story is Of DR.. Faust, an old and
learned man. who is discovered in a mel
ancholy meditation. He deplores the fact
that he is old and life holds so much that
he would fain be possessed OF eternal
youth. The devil appears to him and Of
fers him youth again. but the price is
Fausts soul. The latter hesitstes at so
hard a bargain, but a vision OF the pure
and sanity Marguerite decides him. Me-
phistOpheles hands him a goblet He
drinks and is made young.
The next scene shows a public square,
where the Kermesse has attracted a
crowd. Valentine enters and sings mis-
tribute 10 his lovely sister. Marguerite.
regrettfng the necessity OF going TO war
and leaving her unprotected. Seibel an
admirer OF Marguerite. replies consol-
ingiy. Wagner starts a song, but is in
terrupted by Mephistopheles, who sings
his ode to gold and TO Beelzebub, enjoy
ing the unconscious homage OF the
chorus. The staggering eynissary OF
satan Is insulting. reading the palms OF
Wagner and Seibel, predicting the death
OF the former. and that every flower and
woman that the latter shall pluck or love
shall wither. Then snatching a glass, hs
proposes the health of Marguerite, 20
which Valentine and his friends take ex-
ceptiOn. Mephistopheles draws a charmed
circle around himself. and they all depart
singing the splendid chOrale to the cross.
Marguerite enters, and as Faust speaks
to her she declines his arm and passes
on, Faust, deeply chagrined, is reas-
sured by his satanic servant, and the
curtain falls on the full development Of
the splendid waltz Of the Kermesse
n the beautiful garden Of Marguerite's
dwelling in the next act, Seibel picks
flowers for his love. singing the famous
flower, song. AS they wither he remem-
bers the prophecy Of the sorcerer He
dips his hand in the holy water Of the
fount where Marguerite prays daily. and
the spell Is broken. and he places a bou-
Quet on the doorstep. Faust and Me-
phistopheles enter and Seibei departs at
sight of the fiend. The latter tells Faust
he viii bring tempting gift for the girl,
and departs. MephistOpheles returns
with a casket of jewels, which he places
for her to find. cOnquering Faust's reluc-
lance at tempting her. and they retire 10
watch. She finds the jewels. is delighted
but timid about wearing them, but Curl
osity is stronger than her misgivings. and
she tries them on The change in her ap-
pearance so pleases her that shs ex-
presses her delight in the piquantly beau
tifui jewel song. Her neighbOr. Martha.
enters and persuades her to keep them.
Faust and Mephistopheles re-enter, and
the latter keeps Dame Martha out OF the
way OF the lovers by flattery and fliTta-
ton. The fascinated maiden opens her
window and sings OF her love and long
ing. Faust Tushes to her. and the curtain
descends as Mephistopheles gives a de-
moniacaI laugh CT triumph
In the next act. Valentine comes home
from the wars ard learns Of his sisters
dishonor. A duel ensues, in which Faust
kills Valentine, who curses Marguerite
as he dies.
The final act is laid IN the prison where
Marguerite is confined for numbering her
child In fit OF insanity. Her lover and
his vicious companion enter, and Faust
begs her to fly with him, but sees that
she has lost her reason. Mephistopheles
urges Faust TO leave, but he refuses 10
desert as Marguerite sings her beautiful
prayer. Then comes the final trio, at the
end OF which Marguerite recognizes in
Faust the murderer Of her brother. and
falls In a death swoon Mephlstopheles
forces Faust TO go with him. and they
sink together 10 the lower regions as the
angels appear, singing an Easter hymn.
and bear Marguerite to Heaven.
John Drew viii spend the greater part
of the summer at his country place on
Long Island. In spite of the bad fall