(MUMLE MUMBLE BLUSH BLUSH)
"Faust" was one of the greatest bel canto operas of its era, and I get a chuckle thinking about swabbies whistling the "Soldier's Chorus" on duty. The "Triumphal March" from "Aida" is another great military vehicle.
Thanks for the praise.
I think he may have played that for his shipmates too.
I saw Faust in the touring company of the Met (in Boston, around 1972). The singing was great, but the sets (being the touring sets, I’m sure) were minimal and boring. I had to practically hold my mouth shut so I would not burst into song with the artists onstage!