Gounod: Faust (2DVD) / Piotr Beczala

To mark the opening of its 200th season, the Teatro Real is presenting a spectacular new production of Gounod's Faust, directed by Àlex Ollé (La Fura dels Baus). In a futuristic laboratory, Goethe's timeless themes of knowledge, desire and redemption are reinterpreted through the lens of artificial intelligence and human emotions. Star singers such as Piotr Beczała, Marina Rebeka and Luca Pisaroni lead the cast in this gripping drama. Under the direction of Dan Ettinger, the orchestra and choir of the Teatro Real deliver a rousing performance which, as Bachtrack wrote, "takes its cue from Goethe, but does not shy away from theatrical fantasy". "Beczała's voice was brilliant, dark and even powerful with ringing high notes, as he proved with his ringing high C in Salut demeure chaste et pure." (Operawire)