Werther
Introduction
Massenet’s most erotically charged and emotionally visceral work presents the dazzling American mezzo Ginger Costa-Jackson as Charlotte, breaking the heart of shy poet Werther, played by Leonardo Capalbo.
Will Charlotte succumb to the ardent charms of her gentle, charming lover? Or will she stick with Albert, her dashing betrothed?
Rather than discrete arias, Massenet’s scenes flow in and out of the emotional moment: Werther’s lyrical musings on the beauty of nature, Charlotte’s dark night of the soul, lightened by Sophie’s kindly intrusion and Werther’s Ossianic peroration ‘Pourquoi me réveiller’.
Goethe wrote the novel The Sorrows of Young Werther when he was just 24 and it became an overnight sensation, read – and much copied – throughout European literary circles. Napoleon carried a copy on his Egyptian campaign, it inspired new fashions and even a perfume.
Alas, it also inspired self-harm and not only was the novel banned in Denmark and Leipzig but also the distinctive blue suit and yellow waistcoat that Werther wore.
An opera in four acts
Sung in French with English surtitles
Music: Jules Massenet
Libretto: Édouard Blau, Paul Milliet & Georges Hartmann
First performance: 16 February 1892, Hofoper, Vienna
UK première: 11 June 1894, Covent Garden
Cast & Creatives
WERTHER, a young poet ∙ LEONARDO CAPALBO
CHARLOTTE, aged 20 ∙ GINGER COSTA JACKSON
SOPHIE, her sister, aged 15 ∙ IRIA PERESTRELO
ALBERT, betrothed to Charlotte, aged 25 ∙ DOMINIC SEDGWICK Sponsor Julian Hardwick
LE BAILLI, Charlotte’s father ∙ ALAN EWING Sponsor Kevin Egan & Judith Lawless
SCHMIDT, a friend of Le Bailli ∙ ROBIN HORGAN
JOHANN, a friend of Le Bailli ∙ ROSS CUMMING
CONDUCTOR ∙ CHRISTOPHER HOPKINS
DIRECTOR / DESIGNER ∙ JOHN DOYLE
COSTUME DESIGNER ∙ GABRIELLE DALTON
LIGHTING DESIGNER ∙ TIM MITCHELL
ORCHESTRA ∙ THE GASCOIGNE ORCHESTRA (formerly the Garsington Opera Orchestra)
Act 1
A widowed gentleman is teaching his children a Christmas carol. Two friends arrive and the eldest daughter Charlotte dresses for a dance. Since her fiancé Albert is away, she will be escorted by Werther, a gloomy friend who writes poetry. Werther arrives and is moved to see Charlotte prepare supper, just as her dead mother had. They leave for the ball. Albert returns unexpectedly and is surprised that Charlotte is out. He will return in the morning. Werther and Charlotte return very late; he has fallen desperately in love with her. Charlotte promised her dying mother she would marry Albert. Werther is in despair.
Act 2
Three months later, Charlotte and Albert are married and are walking about the town. Werther is miserable and Sophie tries to cheer him up. Werther draws Charlotte aside and reminds her of their first meeting. Charlotte begs Werther to go away but she agrees to see him at Christmas. Albert realizes that Werther loves his wife.
Act 3
It is Christmas Eve and Charlotte rereads Werther’s letters, wondering how he is. Sophie tries to cheer up her sister. Werther arrives and reads some of his some poetry. Charlotte realizes she does indeed love him. They embrace for a moment, but she dismisses Werther who leaves with thoughts of suicide. Albert returns home to find his wife distraught. Werther sends Albert a message asking to borrow his pistols. Charlotte has a dreadful premonition.
Act 4
Charlotte arrives too late to stop Werther from shooting himself. While he is dying, she declares her love. He asks for forgiveness.