Karen Cargill (Marguerite), John Irvin (Faust), Christopher Purves (Méphistophélès), Jonathan Lemalu (Brander), London Philharmonic Orchestra & Choir, London Symphony Chorus, Edward Gardner
“Gardner’s interpretation gained weight and momentum ... by turns broodingly introspective, beguilingly sensuous and eerily malign, with sinister brass and woodwind flickering like demonic fire.” - The Guardian (★★★★)
“If I have to go to hell, I’ve decided, I want the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Edward Gardner to come with me.” - The Times (★★★★)
“With his choral and operatic roots, Gardner has a special flair for taming such genre-crossing, massed-choir monsters.” - The Arts Desk (★★★★★)
Half grand opera, half roof-raising choral- orchestral spectacular, Berlioz’s ‘The Damnation of Faust’ caused a scandal in 1846 when it was first performed, and with its supernatural story and thumping good melodies, it’s still one of 19th century music’s most rivetingly sinful treats.
Recorded live at the Southbank Centre on 4 February 2023, Edward Gardner took on the monumental task of conducting the full orchestra, three massed choruses and a charismatic all-star cast.
This special two-CD set captures the live thrill of the highly reviewed concert for the crisp, hi-fi enjoyment of the opera and classical music fans at home.
March 2024
this performance by the London Philharmonic under its principal conductor offers consistently high orchestral standards and focused participation from the assembled choirs, who show skill in impersonating the many groups they are called upon to play...Never less than spirited, Gardner brings a blend of energy and control to his task.
11th February 2024
it is the performances Gardner draws from the LPO and choruses that make this so hair-raising and exceptional. I have rarely heard La course à l’abîme/Pandaemonium sound so terrifying. The Chant de la Fête de Pâques, meanwhile, seems more beautiful, and more shattering,
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