Composer

:

Arrigo Boito

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1868 - 1875

First Performance

:

Mar 5, 1868

Average_duration

:

134:39

"Mefistofele" is an opera in a prologue, four acts, and an epilogue composed by Arrigo Boito. The opera was composed between 1867 and 1868, with the libretto written by Boito himself. The opera premiered on March 5, 1868, at La Scala in Milan, Italy. The plot of "Mefistofele" is based on Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's "Faust" and tells the story of the devil, Mefistofele, who makes a bet with God that he can corrupt the soul of Faust, a scholar who is disillusioned with life. Mefistofele offers Faust a deal: he will grant him youth and pleasure in exchange for his soul. Faust agrees and embarks on a journey of hedonism and debauchery, but ultimately realizes the emptiness of his life and seeks redemption. The opera is divided into five movements: the prologue, which sets the scene and introduces the characters; Act I, which takes place in Faust's study and introduces the character of Margherita, whom Faust falls in love with; Act II, which takes place in a carnival and features a ballet; Act III, which takes place in the prison where Margherita is being held for killing her child; and Act IV, which takes place in the classical world of ancient Greece and features a chorus of spirits. One of the characteristics of "Mefistofele" is its use of a large orchestra and chorus, which creates a grand and epic sound. The opera also features a number of memorable arias and duets, including Faust's aria "Dai campi, dai prati" and Margherita's aria "L'altra notte in fondo al mare." Despite its initial success, "Mefistofele" was not well-received by critics and audiences, and Boito made several revisions to the opera over the years. The most famous version of the opera is the 1875 revision, which features a new prologue and epilogue and a number of other changes. Today, "Mefistofele" is considered one of the most important operas of the 19th century and is still performed regularly in opera houses around the world.

More....