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Opera

Werther, Royal Opera House

19 Jun 16 – 13 Jul 16, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM

Massenet's sensitive adaptation of Goethe's great romantic novel returns to Covent Garden

By CW Contributor on 8/12/2015

© ROH
© ROH
Werther, Royal Opera House Werther, Royal Opera House Joe Lloyd
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s Sorrows of Young Werther (1774) is among the most significant texts in romantic literature. Written in an epistolary format, it tracks the titular artist’s infatuation with the rural maiden Charlotte. Just one thing stands between them – Charlotte’s betrothal to Albert. As the three become close, threatening Charotte and Albert’s harmonious marriage, Werther decides that the only way to prevent conflict and heartbreak is to forsake life itself.

Jules Massenet’s Werther (1892) was not the first opera based on this story, but it is by far the most popular. Although it was premiered to muted acclaim, after a decade it had become a popular favourite, equal to his earlier Manon. Edouard Blau and Paul Milliet’s libretto does well to translate Goethe’s passionate text to the stage, placing the focus strictly on the central characters rather than their extended environment. Musically, it shows Massenet at his not insigificant peak, homing in on Werther’s grief to astounding effect. There is a graceful restraint on display throughout, which prevents it sinking into melodrama.


Interested in the Royal Opera's Summer 2016 season?

click here to view our essential guide


Director Benoit Jacques’ production was, like Werther itself, a late bloomer. In 2004, it was critiqued for vagueness. By its 2011 revival staring Rolando Villazon, it was praised for its intelligence and subtly. Jacques’ staging combines period touches with a sparse minimalism, foregrounding the characters’ internal struggles.

Tenor Vittorio Grigolo (Faust), whose Royal Opera debut came with Manon, will play Werther opposite superstar American mezzo Joyce DiDonato (Maria Stuarda)’s Charlotte. Baritone David Bizic as Albert and Heather Engebreston as Charlotte’s sister Sophie will join them to complete the central cast. Covent Garden music director Antonio Pappano returns to the podium, and should provide a masterful reading of an opera he is indelibly associated with. Werther should be a reliable stalwart of the Royal Opera’s summer season 2016.


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What Werther, Royal Opera House
Where Royal Opera House, Bow Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9DD | MAP
Nearest tube Covent Garden (underground)
When 19 Jun 16 – 13 Jul 16, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Price £TBC
Website Click here to book via Culture Whisper and See Tickets

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  • What the critics say

    THE GUARDIAN

    “Antonio Pappano's conducting emphasises the score's dark Wagnerisms, but also elevates a work sometimes seen as dreary to the level of genuine tragedy. It's a powerful evening.”

    Tim Ashley

    THE INDEPENDENT

    “Thanks to Pappano’s wonderful work with the orchestra, the lightness and poetry and surge of their playing, acts three and four build almost unbearably to the inevitable tragedy.”

    Edward Seckerson

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Goethe

Late Romantic

Royal Opera

Massenet

Joyce DiDonato

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