In the early years of the Metropolitan Opera, Faust was among the company’s most frequently performed operas, serving as the work chosen to open the house on October 22, 1883. Interestingly, only a few weeks later the Met presented Boito’s Mefistofele with Christine Nilsson, who had also sung Marguerite in Gounod’s opera on opening night. The Met would return to Boito’s work over the ensuing decades, most notably in 1920 for a performance that marked the house debut of Beniamino Gigli. Afterward, however, Mefistofele disappeared from the Met’s repertory until 1999. That long history of neglect makes this 1965 Philadelphia performance all the more noteworthy, with the cast making a compelling case for Boito’s distinctive masterpiece.

Alfredo Kraus sings Faust. Noted also for his portrayal of the role in Gounod’s Faust, Kraus brings the same grace and stylistic refinement to Boito’s writing while also having the opportunity to reveal the more dramatic qualities of his tenor. Nicolai Ghiaurov is a commanding presence in the title role, displaying a voice of remarkable power and beauty. Ilva Ligabue is ideally cast as Margherita, bringing a soprano of striking color, impressive vocal control, and an excellent command of pitch.