La Damnation de Faust was in the beginning a kind of oratorio, although Hector Berlioz (1803-1869) called it himself a concert-opera. Due to his dramatic qualities the piece was also fitful for stage-performances. The first real opera performance took place in Monte Carlo in 1890 and in 1906 it had its premiere at the Metropolitan Opera New York. The aria D'amour l'ardente flamme, sung by Marguerite, is one of the most dramatic parts from the opera.