Home > Werther
Composed 1885-1887.
First performed February 16, 1892.
Libretto by Edouard Blau, Paul Milliet and Georges Hartmann (in French),
after Goethe.
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Act 1
In the 1780s, in a rural area of Germany, Wetzlar,
Lord Chancellor’s eldest daughter, Charlotte, takes care of her brothers and
sisters since her mother died. One day of July, in the evening, Charlotte goes
to a ball with Werther who is a young poet, because her fiance, Albert, has
gone on a trip. Werther escorts her. And, he is impressed by her kindness in
taking care of her brothers and sisters. On her way home, under the moon,
Werther confesses his love. But, Charlotte tells him that she already has a
fiance, and that her mother’s wish was to marry Albert.
Act 2
Now, Charlotte marries Albert. In September, Werther
is badly shaken up when seeing them. Charlotte’s sister, Sophie, attempts to
cheer him up. He ignores her. He shows his feeling to Charlotte, again. But,
she tells him that he should go away till Christmas.
Act 3
On Christmas Eve, Werther suddenly appears in her
house during Albert’s absence. Charlotte pretends to be indifferent to him.
Werther confesses his love again, by reading to her the poetry of Ossian, and
he attempts to draw her close to him. But, she shakes him off, and goes to the
next door. Werther despairs and leaves.
Act 4
That night, Charlotte has an uneasy feeling, so she
hurries to Werther’s house. When she finds him, he has shot himself and is
dying. She attempts to call for help, but he stops her. The two hug each other,
and Charlotte finally recognizes her love for him. Werther breathes his last
breath as he imagines her secretly visiting his grave.
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The origin of this opera, “Werther” is Johann Wolfgang
von Goethe’s famous novel, “The Sorrows of Young Werther,” which is based on a
true story. The first half is based on Goethe himself, and the second half is
based on his friend’s life. In the latter 18th century, this novel was the most
popular book, and 100 years later, Massenet composed this opera based on this
novel.
Jules Emile Frederic Massenet is one of the most important composers of
French operas. He has a special technique for creating beautiful music.
He can compose sweet melodies and harmonies. His beautiful music suits
Goethe’s love story. I recommend you watch this opera, if you want to
enjoy beautiful music in operas.
The Tenor who sings Werther needs not only a high voice but also to express
delicate moments. Werther’s aria in Act 3, “Pourquoi me reveiller? (Why
do you wake me now?)” has very beautiful melodies. Charlotte is sung not
by a Soprano but by a Mezzo Soprano. I think that Massenet cherishes her
kindness in taking care of her brothers and sisters, so he composed Charlotte
as Mezzo Soprano.
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