This popular story tells of the ageing philosopher Faust who makes a pact with Mephistopheles: his soul in exchange for youth and the lovely Marguerite. Her brother Valentine leaves Marguerite to the care of his friend Siebel, but on his return from war Valentine finds that Faust has loved and left Marguerite. He challenges Faust to a duel but is killed. Marguerite, imprisoned for killing her child, prays to heaven for forgiveness, whilst Faust is dragged down to hell by Mephistopheles.

With popular arias such as "The Golden Calf" and the "Jewel Song", this opera is a good one to go to if you've never been to opera before.