Charles Gounod's interpretation is the best-known and most frequently performed of any stage or Orchestral treatment of the Faust legend. Faust was a major success upon its first fully realised performance at Milan's La Scala in 1862. The Opera's lyricism, tremendous variety of mood and Orchestral colour, and subtle delineation of character continue to delight generation upon generation of audiences. Now Opera lovers can study and enjoy the complete masterpiece in this attractive volume, which has been reprinted from an authoritative edition. Despite the frequency of its performances, Gounod's work is hard to find in print, so this rare edition of the full score constitutes a treasure for conductors, performers, and music majors alike.

Gounod's Faust opera (libretto by Michel Carré and Jules Barbier) is based on the love story of Faust and Marguérite which is but a part of Goethe's Faust drama. Consequently the title of the opera is unacceptable in Germany where it is renamed Margarethe after the heroine.