On this day in 1859, Gounod's Faust premiered! The opera tells the story of Doctor Faust, an old philosopher who makes a pact with the devil Mephistopheles in exchange for eternal youth and knowledge. Prompted by Mephistopheles, he seduces the young Marguerite. Siébel, a young man in love with Marguerite, tries to protect her. However, Marguerite ends up bearing Faust's child, only to be abandoned by him, leaving her alone and disgraced. Watch "Ainsi que la brise legère" with the Royal Opera Cho