This is as wonderful as it is unexpected—a truly unusual cast for La Damnation de Faust, or La dannazione di Faust, as it is presented here. The ensemble of first-rate Italian singers doesn’t attempt to capture traditional French style but instead highlights the Italianate qualities within Berlioz’s composition. Hearing the work in Italian allows one to fully appreciate the lyricism woven into his music.

Ettore Bastianini delivers one of the most superb Méphistophélès performances on record—more suave than menacing, yet still unmistakably devilish. Giulietta Simionato is simply stunning as Margherita. Were it not for the darker hues in her voice, one would never guess she was nearing the end of her career. Ruggero Bondino takes on the demanding role of Faust admirably, his voice both elegant and resilient.