The Hallé – The Damnation of Faust at The Bridgewater Hall

Johnny James, Managing Editor

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The Hallé - The Damnation of Faust

The Bridgewater Hall, City Centre
10 February 2019

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

The Hallé
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It has been more than seventy years since the Hallé last performed Hector Berlioz’ The Damnation of Faust. Remarkably, Sir Charles Hallé (founder of the Hallé) was not only a great friend of Berlioz, but the first to introduce the composer’s masterwork into England. This new opportunity to experience the French composer’s ‘dramatic legend’ at The Bridgewater Hall is thus long overdue. For the occasion, Sir Mark Elder has assembled an appropriately stellar cast alongside massed choirs from the Hallé. They will expertly guide us through Berlioz’ celebrated music, and a heartbreaking story of human love and devilish deception.

Regarded as one of the quintessential myths of western culture, the story of Faust was an obsession for many great composers in the nineteenth century. Upon discovering Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s legendary play, Berlioz could not put it down, recalling in his Memoir: “I read it incessantly, at meals, in the theatre, in the street”. Defying easy categorisation, the fable is both a tragedy and dark comedy, and is told by Goethe in a form which at once resembles a drama and an epic poem. Berlioz’ epic retelling of the Faust tale is an equally complex affair. Part opera, part oratorio, his ‘dramatic legend’ is a choral work like no other.

Colossal in scale, Berlioz’ original score called for four soloists, a children’s chorus, a seven-part choir and an orchestra. Featuring a pandemonium of sound, it somewhat perplexed audiences who first heard it in 1846. Honking bassoons, ranks of timpani, and a tumult of brass were called to play in unusual ranges and even more unusual combinations. Terrifying passages of demonic fury were interspersed with tender moments of religious piety. Still wildly entertaining today, it is celebrated for its dazzling orchestral brilliance. With great anticipation, we look forward to the Hallé’s interpretation of this tempestuous work.

What's on at The Bridgewater Hall

Walking Tour Stock imagery
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ActivityCity Centre
The Manchester Music Walkabout

Manchester’s famous musical legacy comes to life in this walking tour around the city, which will take you from the 1960s to the present day.

From £25.00

Where to go near The Hallé – The Damnation of Faust at The Bridgewater Hall

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Dating back to 1903, Manchester’s stately Midland Hotel now has its own dedicated tea room. Expect traditional offerings in elegant surroundings.

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With 312 luxurious bedrooms, the Grade II-listed Midland Hotel occupies one of the most beautiful and storied buildings in Manchester.

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Haunt MCR is a speciality coffee shop and wine bar located on Manchester’s bustling Peter Street.

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