The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-08-24
FAUST
(Gounod's complete opera, Faust" will be broadcast by radio from WSY station h Birmingham tonight.)


 Birmingham tonight.)
 ACT I
 Faust is an aged philosopher who has spent his life in study, and now, an ancient man, is filled with the realization of the futility of human endeavor He longs tor the return of his lost youth, and filled with despair, is about to end his life by d. liking a cup of poison when he hears distant strain of music Fastening to the window, Faust observes that a company of villagers are making merry, and the sight of this happiness of others fills him with such envy and despair that he curses all things and calls upon the aid of the powers Of darkness.
 In response to his petition to hell, Mephisto- pheles, emissary of the evil one, appears. He offers to Faust youth and love in return for his soul, and at this proposition the aged philosopher hesitates until Mephistopheles re- veals to him vision of lovely maiden, Mar guerite
 Faust is entranced with her love,iness, and it is at this point that the first selection, 70 Merveille' co Heavenly Vision) is sung. In this song Faust expresses his willingness to sell his immortal soul in return for youth and love. At the close of the number Mephistophees gives the philosopher magic potion that re- stores his youth; the evil compact is signed and the two go off arm in arm to seek Mar guerite.
 ACT II
 This scene is cast in the public square of German village, where group of people have gathered to celebrate. Mephistophees entertains the people with a number of feats of magic, finally striking barrel hung above an inn door for sign. Wine rushes from this barrel and whoever fills his cup from it's flow finds that the wine drunk is his or her favorite vintage.
 In the course of the drinking Mephisto drinks an insulting toast to Marguerite with the ~tention of infuriating her brother, Val- entine, and provoking him to duel in which he may be killed and removed from the way of Faust. The toast has the desired effect and there follows the "scene des epees' (scenes of the swords), sung by Amato, Journet and chorus. Valentine and the evil gentleman from hell cross swords and Balentine's blade is shivered at the touch of the magic weapon of Mephsto, but before he can be killed he holds in the air the hilt of his broken sword which makes the sign of the cross and renders Mephisto powerless and he shrinks away.
 Now comes the waltz of the Vermesse scene, which will be played by Pietro. In the course of the waltz Marguerite enters and Faust ao- breaches her, begging to be allowed to see her home. She declines his offer, but is charmed with him. and is already beginning to feel the first thrills of love.
 ACT III.
 This act is cast in a garden and opens with the< sight of a youth Siebel in love with Mar guerite picking flowers for his beloved one. However, Mephisto has bewitched Siebel and the blooms fade in his grasp.
 The part of Siebel is taken by Louise Homer, who sings "Le Parlate d'Amor' (the Flower Song), in which the youth bemoans the fact that the flowers wither at his touch. Siebel dips the flowers in holy water and observes thta the spell in broken, so placing them at the door of Marguerite he runs away. Mephisto coming up, sees the flowers on Marguerite's step and knowing the superior splendor of jewels places a casket of gems beside the flowers and departs. When Marguerite finds the two gifts she ignores the flowers but be- decks herself with the jewels, which she be- lieves to be the gift of the handsome stranger of whom she has been dreaming. She now sings the famous "Air jes Bizoux" (Jewel Song).
 In this number the part of Marguerite is sung by Geraldine Farrar Shortly after the close of this number Faust appears and strolls in the garden with Marguerite.
 number of selections lead up to the climax of this act wherein Faust and Marguerite con- fess their love for each other, and "Dammi