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Synopsis - Act I The opera opens in the study of Doctor Faustus, where he sits and broods, contemplating a life he sees as wasted, and his inevitable descent into old age. As he contemplates drinking a vial of poison on his desk, Mephistopheles appears and offers him exactly what he most desires - another chance at life and youth - in exchange for his soul. Faust hesitates until Mephistopheles shows him an image of a radiant young Marguerite, prompting Faust to down an elixir of youth.
The two men head into town, where a county fair is taking place, to send the heroic Valentin off to war. The young men enjoy a drinking song , and Valentin laments leaving his sister at home with no family. His friend Siebel vows to protect her, and Valentin solemnizes the oath with a prayer to God. Mephistopheles jumps in the square and joins in the revelry, offering a hypnotic song of his own - a tribute celebrating the biblical Golden Calf and the bacchanals that go along with it. He prophesies that any flower the young Siebel touches will wither and die, and that Valentin will perish - not in battle, but at the hand of someone he knows. Provoked, Valentin instigates a fight, but at the first sword blow his weapon is shattered by Mephistopheles. Realizing the true nature of his opponent, Valentin attempts to drive the demon off with the cruciform hilt of his sword, as his colleagues fall in retreat. Faust joins the community square for a dance, hoping to encounter Marguerite. She arrives, just back from church, and is approached by Siebel, who is thwarted by Mephistopheles at every chance. Faust presents himself, offering to escort Marguerite, but she modestly declines and returns home alone.
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