Gounod Faust Domingo Freni Ghiaurov Allen Pretre Placido Domingo sounds ardent believable as a youthful Faust. While the character is not very sympathetic, he has some of the most beautiful music ever written in a tenor key, and Domingo's powerful dark spinto sound is most welcome for this role, just listen to the famous "Salut! Demeure chaste et pure".Thomas Allen is a superb Valentin.Prêtre conducts with vigor, a bit faster than Richard Bonynge on Decca set. By the way, Ghiaurov also sang for Bonynge, alongside Corelli and Sutherland. Also, Domingo brings a fascinating tender touch to the role of Faust, whereas Corelli sounds more like a man possessed .