Bob’s World of J. Massenet Wertjer


	Bob’s World of

erther

Drame lyrique

Libretto by Edouard Blau, Paul Milliet,
and Georges Hartmann

Music by J. Massenet

First Performance: Hofoper, Vienna, February 16, 1892 (in German)

First Cast:

Werther, tenor	Ernest van Dyck
Charlotte, soprano/mezzo-soprano	Marie Renard
Sophie, soprano	Ellen Brand-Forster
The Bailiff, baritone	Meyerhofer
Albert, baritone	Neidl
Schmidt, tenor	Schlittenhelm
Johann, baritone	Relix
Brühlmann, any voice	Stoll
Kätchen, any voice	Carlona
Conductor	Wilhelm Jahn

Gœthe’s The Sorrows of Young Werther

     Act I. The death of Le Bailli's wife has left Charlotte, their elder daughter, in charge of the younger children and bound by a promise to her mother to marry Albert, a conventional young man who has been away for several months as the opera begins. Le Bailli is rehearsing a Christmas carol with the children as Charlotte prepares to attend a dance with the young poet Werther. While they are at the ball Albert returns and discusses plans for his marriage with Charlotte's younger sister, Sophie. Charlotte and Werther return, obviously deeply absorbed in one another. Their mood is shattered when Le Bailli announces Albert's presence. Werther declares he will die if Charlotte marries Albert.
     Act II. Three months after Charlotte's marriage, Werther reaffirms his loyalty to both, though Albert knows the true situation. Werther is drawn irresistibly to Charlotte, who begs him to go away.
     Act III. On Christmas Eve Charlotte, rereading Werther's letters, realizes that her suppressed feelings for him have at last emerged. Werther suddenly appears and evokes an expression of love from Charlotte, but she retreats, leaving him in despair. He writes that he is going on a long journey, asking to borrow Albert's pistols. Albert gives them to Charlotte to send.
     Act IV. She realizes the meaning too late, rushing to Werther's apartment only to find him dying. At last she admits her love for him as he dies in her arms. The children are heard singing their Christmas carol in the distance.