Boito: Mefistofele / Ghiaurov, Pavarotti, Freni, Caballé, National Philharmonic Orchestra, Oliviero De Fabritiis / Classic Opera / Decca 2x Audio CD 2005 / 475 6666

UPC 028947566663

Mefistofele (Italian pronunciation: [mefiˈstɔːfele]) is an opera in a prologue and five acts, later reduced to four acts and an epilogue, the only completed opera with music by the Italian composer-librettist Arrigo Boito (there are several completed operas for which he was librettist only). The opera was given its premiere on 5 March 1868 at La Scala, Milan, under the baton of the composer, despite his lack of experience and skill as a conductor.

However, it was not a success and was immediately withdrawn after only two performances. Revisions in 1875 resulted in success in Bologna and, with further adjustments in 1876 for Venice, the opera was performed elsewhere.