Mefistofele

The only complete opera by Arrigo Boito—the energetic composer, writer, and revolutionary who famously collaborated with Verdi towards the end of his career—Mefistofele is a riveting retelling of the classic Faustian legend. The score conjures a vivid clash between the forces of good and evil, which only finds resolution in the work’s powerful ending. Samuel Ramey brings his characteristically rich bass-baritone and energetic stage presence to the title role, opposite Richard Margison as the philosopher Faust and Veronica Villarroel as both the naive Margherita and the alluring Helen of Troy. Mark Elder leads the mighty Met Orchestra and Chorus in this under-appreciated gem.