Main Stage
Performed in Italian Premiere of this production: 26 Sep 2026 Arrigo Boito’s Mefistofele brings the dramatic world of Goethe’s Faust to the operatic stage in a work of extraordinary scale and ambition. Presented at the Bolshoi Theatre, this monumental opera combines powerful choral writing, richly coloured orchestration, lyrical arias, and a story that explores temptation, knowledge, love, and the struggle between good and evil. Libretto by composer based on the tragedy “Faust” by Johann Wolfgang Goethe Structured in a prologue, four acts, and an epilogue, the opera follows the wager between Mefistofele and God over the soul of Faust. The devil promises Faust the experience of absolute fulfilment, setting in motion a journey that leads from philosophical doubt to passion and ultimately to spiritual redemption. The story also brings Faust into the life of Margherita, whose love and suffering become central to the opera’s emotional drama. Boito’s score is distinguished by its monumental choral scenes and striking contrasts between the supernatural and the deeply human. The famous “Ave, Signor degli angeli”, Margherita’s haunting “L’altra notte in fondo al mare”, and the celebrated “Dai campi, dai prati” reveal the composer’s ability to combine dramatic intensity with lyrical beauty. The work has a particularly interesting history at the Bolshoi: the theatre first presented Mefistofele in a production that premiered in 1902, with subsequent performances beginning in 1903. Among its notable performers was the legendary bass Feodor Chaliapin in the title role. With its imposing dramatic concept, unforgettable music, and spectacular choral writing, Mefistofele offers an impressive encounter with one of the most ambitious works of Italian opera. Its combination of philosophical ideas, romantic drama, and supernatural atmosphere makes it a distinctive choice for an evening at the Bolshoi Theatre. | Arrigo Boito "Mefistofele" Opera in four acts with a prologue and an epilogue on the playbill
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