A thrilling performance of Boito's masterpiece. The title role is sung by an outstanding Samuel Ramey, who is the undisputed star of the evening. Vincenzo La Scola gives to Faust a genuine Italian voice, even if he lacks the drama that the role would require. On the other hand, Michele Crider represents probably the only weak link of the performance: her voice hardly supports the roughness of Marguerite and Helen. The orchestra and chorus of Teatro Alla Scala are brilliantly conducted by Riccardo Muti, who imposes a trembling and involving rithm.