Berlioz: La damnation de Faust

Berlioz

Tickets from €17 17 | 41 | 76 | 112 | 135
Alain Altinoglu
Alain Altinoglu © Daniel Dittus
  • Doors open 19:00

  • Start 20:00

Alchemists at Work

»It is hard to put into words just how extraordinary the chemistry between this orchestra and me is – in fact, it is more like alchemy!« says Alain Altinoglu of »his« hr-Sinfonieorchester. Fittingly, the orchestra has chosen a work infused with magic and the supernatural for its next visit to the Elbphilharmonie. Inspired by Goethe’s drama, Berlioz’s »La damnation de Faust« is a treasure trove of musical variety – poised between opera and concert work, choral symphony and oratorio, and rich in nuances and extremes ranging from infernal depths to heavenly redemption.

Hector Berlioz was searching for a form that could unite symphony and opera into something even greater. The resulting four-part work for orchestra, chorus and soloists – here performed by internationally acclaimed opera singers – tells the story of an ageing Faust who strikes a pact with the devil in exchange for youth and love. Berlioz described the piece as a »dramatic legend«.

Berlioz’s music is remarkably vivid. Without the need for costumes or scenery, he brings dancing mythical creatures to life, has Faust yearn for his beloved Marguerite and, in the end, sends him hurtling towards damnation in a breathtaking ride to hell.

Performers

hr-Sinfonieorchester Frankfurt

Singverein der Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde in Wien

Angela Brower Marguerite

Charles Castronovo Faust

John Relyea Méphistophélès

Adrien Fournaison Brandner

conductor Alain Altinoglu

Programme

Hector Berlioz
La damnation de Faust / Légende dramatique in Four Parts, Op. 24

Performance in French with German surtitles

Subscription

Elbphilharmonie Subscription 4

Series

Operas and Vocal Works

Promoter: HamburgMusik

During your visit

Elbphilharmonie Plaza

A public viewing platform on the 8th floor of the Elbphilharmonie

More about the Plaza

Food and Drink

Before the concert and in the interval

Find out more

Coughing, clapping, chatting

Tips for your concert visit

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