Méphistophélès in Gounod’s ‘Faust’ at Teatro Real de Madrid
ScrollThis month, Luca Pisaroni travels to Spain to star as Méphistophélès in Gounod’s Faust at Madrid’s Teatro Real. Under the musical direction of Dan Ettinger, performances run September 19 through October 7 with a production new to the Madrid stage, created by Àlex Ollé (La Fura dels Baus).
Packed with lyricism and drama, this popular grand opera will have an acclaimed roster of singers including Piotr Beczała in the title role, Marina Rebeka as Marguerite, Stéphane Degout as Valentin, Isaac Galán as Wagner, Serena Malfi as Siébel, and Sylvie Brunet-Grupposo as Marthe. Since adding this role to his extensive list of repertoire, Pisaroni has been lauded for his portrayal of the menacing devil:
“Bass-baritone Luca Pisaroni makes an ideal devil, lithe and lean in tights, booming his maleficent insinuations and entreaties.” (Houston Press)
“In his first appearance in one of opera’s iconic role, Pisaroni displayed Mephisto’s many facets – his charm, elegance and humor, that masks a sinister purpose. His delivery of the great hits – the spirited Veau d’Or and the Serenade – were flawless and sung with a self-assuredness that one might have believed this was his 100th Mephistopheles rather than his role debut.” (Opera Warhorses)
“Luca Pisaroni is a strutting peacock of a man as Mephistopheles, reveling in his fine clothes and ladies’ man manner. He never threatens, he never frightens; there is simply an air of inevitability about him which is irresistible.” (Broadway World)