One of the leading operatic tenors of the 20th century, Swedish tenor Jussi Björling sings “Salut, demeure” from Faust, a grand opera in five acts by Charles Gounod to a French libretto by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré.
Salut, demeure
“Salut, demeure chaste et pure” is one of the most famous arias from Charles Gounod’s opera “Faust.” It is sung by the character Faust, a disillusioned scholar, in Act III of the opera, after he has been transformed into a young man by Méphistophélès, the devil.
The aria is often admired for its lyrical beauty and is a favorite among tenors. Its rich orchestration and melodic line reflect Faust’s awe and wonder at the purity and sanctity of Marguerite’s dwelling. Faust sings this aria as he approaches Marguerite’s house, praising it as a sanctuary of virtue, where an angel resides.
The text, like the rest of the opera, is sung in French, and the music captures the emotion of Faust’s infatuation with Marguerite. It’s a delicate and highly expressive piece, demanding both technical precision and emotional depth from the performer.
The opera itself is loosely based on Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s “Faust, Part One,” but with significant alterations and reductions of the original plot. Gounod’s “Faust” premiered in Paris in 1859 and quickly became one of the most frequently performed operas in the world. It played a crucial role in establishing the popularity of French opera in the late 19th century.
Salut, demeure Lyrics
French (original)
Quel trouble inconnu me pénètre!
Je sens l’amour s’emparer de mon être.
Ô Marguerite, à tes pieds me voici!
Salut, demeure chaste et pure
Salut, demeure chaste et pure
Où se devine la présence
D’une âme innocente et divine
Que de richesse en cette pauvreté
En ce réduit, que de félicite
Que de richesse
Que de richesse en cette pauvreté
En ce réduit, que de félicité
O Nature,
C’est là que tu la fis si belle
C’est là que cette enfant
A dormi sous ton aile,
A grandi sous tes yeux.
Là que de ton haleine
Enveloppant son âme
Tu fis avec amour
Epanouir la femme
En cet ange des cieux
C’est là ! Oui ! C’est là !
Salut, demeure chaste et pure
Salut, demeure chaste et pure
Où se devine la présence
D’une âme innocente et divine
Salut !
Salut, demeure chaste et pure
Où se devine la présence
D’une âme innocente et divine.
English translation
What kind of unknown trouble is penetrating me
I sense love taking hold of my being!
O Marguerite, at your feet, here I am!
I greet you, home chaste and pure,
I greet you, home chaste and pure,
Where is manifested the presence
Of a soul, innocent and divine!
How much richness in this poverty!
In this retreat, how much happiness!
How much richness
What richness in this poverty!
O nature, it is here
That you have made her so beautiful!
It is here that this child
Slept under your wing,
Grew up under your eyes.
Here that your breath
Enveloping her soul,
You made, with love, the woman blossom
Into this angel from heaven!
It’s here! Yes, it is here!
I greet you, home chaste and pure,
I greet you, home chaste and pure,
Where is manifested the presence
Of a soul, innocent and divine!
I greet you, home chaste and pure, etc
Related: Jussi Björling sings Vesti La Giubba
Sources
- Faust (opera) on Wikipedia
