The Faust Overture for Orchestra Op. 46 was composed in the mid-19th century during Mayer’s productive period in Berlin. The work demonstrates her interest in programmatic music and her ability to compose for full orchestra. Like many composers of the Romantic era, Mayer was drawn to the Faust story, which was a popular subject for musical works during this period (as seen in compositions by other composers like Berlioz, Wagner, and Liszt).