Jules Massenet's Opera Werther

Synopsis and characters in a Four-Act French Lyric Drama

Jun 30, 2008

Werther, a French opera by Jules Massenet: opera plot synopsis, character description, and other Massenet opera information.

Jules Massenet (May 12, 1842 – August 13, 1912) composed Werther, a four-act lyric drama. Libretto was written by Edouard Balu, Paul Milliet and Henri Grémont Hartmann, based on a 1774 novel by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, The Sorrows of Young Werther. Werther was premiered in Vienna, Opéra Impérial de Vienne, February 16, 1892. The setting is in Wetzlar near Frankfurt, circa 1780.

Although Manon is the most famous of Jules Massenet's opera, Werther is said to be his finest, adapted from Johann von Goethe, a master writer of the Romantic movement. The opera portrays a hopeless love with the usual tragic ending, but something different in Werther is that, the man, not the woman, dies.

Major Character Roles

Plot Summary / Synopses of Werther

Act 1. Garden of the Bailiff's house

The bailiff, a widower, rehearses Christmas carols with his children. His friends, Johann and Schmidt, are surprised since it is July. The youngest daughter Sophie tells them that Charlotte is dressing for the ball at Wetzlar. They discuss the return of Albert, Charlotte's fiancé, who has been away on a business trip, and the manner of sadness in Werther, a young poet. Werther approaches the house and is welcomed by the bailiff and the children's singing. Charlotte apologizes for keeping him waiting, and they leave for the ball.

Sophie persuades the bailiff to join Johann and Schmidt at the inn. Albert arrives unexpectedly hoping to surprise Charlotte. Hours later, Charlotte and Werther return. He declares his love for her. Hearing that Albert is back, she tells Werther that she promised her mother to marry Albert. Although devastated, he tells her to keep her promise.

Act 2. Village Square in Wetzlar

It is Sunday in the village square. Johann and Schmidt, who have been drinking, toast Albert and Charlotte's marriage. It's been three months since the wedding and Werther is tormented by his loss. Suspecting Werther's feelings, Albert tells him he is grateful for his continued loyalty and friendship. Werther is torn. He hates to lie and act as if he has gotten over Charlotte, at the same time, he cannot bear the thought of leaving her. When Werther speaks to Charlotte of his love, she sends him away and tells him to return on Christmas Day. Sophie bursts into tears when Werther leaves.

Act 3. Albert's House

It is Christmas Eve. Still in love with Werther, Charlotte continues to read his letters, and she's afraid that he might not be able to return on Christmas. Even Sophie misses Werther. Charlotte prays for guidance. Werther appears. He realizes Charlotte loves him, but she flies from his embrace. Resolving to kill himself, Werther leaves Albert a letter asking to borrow his pistols for a long journey. When Albert returns from work, he asks Charlotte to hand the pistols over to the servant to send to Werther. It was too late for Charlotte to realize the reason for the request.

Act 4. Werther's Apartment, Christmas Eve

Charlotte finds Werther in his apartment, dying. He begs her to forgive him. They kiss as he slowly dies. In the background, the children can be heard singing Christmas carols.

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