Composer(s): Not Applicable, na
Artist(s): Timson, David
Label: Naxos Educational
Series: Naxos Opera Explained
Genre: Music Education
Catalogue No: 8.558173
Barcode: 636943817322
Release Date: 07/2005

Opera Explained: MASSENET - Werther (Smillie)

Massenet’s Werther combines a deeply tender story with music of beauty and eloquence. One act alone contains two of the greatest arias in the repertoire: the mezzo-soprano aria ‘Va! Laisse couler mes larmes’ and the tenor’s ‘Pourquoi me réveiller’. In their sentimental power and melodic richness these arias encapsulate the qualities that account for the universal popularity of this great work.

Tracklist

Not Applicable, na
Timson, David (reader)
1 Introduction 04:25
Timson, David (reader)
2 Ballet in French opera 03:47
Timson, David (reader)
3 French opera in the 1800s 03:59
Timson, David (reader)
4 Other French opera composers 05:12
Timson, David (reader)
5 Goethe and the plot of Werther 05:17
Timson, David (reader)
6 Prelude and opening of Act I 07:24
Timson, David (reader)
7 Charlotte enters 04:13
Timson, David (reader)
8 Charlotte and Werther return from the ball 06:31
Timson, David (reader)
9 Act II, three months later 05:12
Timson, David (reader)
10 Albert confronts Werther 05:38
Timson, David (reader)
11 Charlotte discourages Werther 03:13
Timson, David (reader)
12 Act III: Prelude and "Letter Scene" 05:39
Timson, David (reader)
13 Sophie comes to cheer up Charlotte 04:44
Timson, David (reader)
14 Charlotte and Werther 05:45
Timson, David (reader)
15 Act IV, Werther's apartment 04:26
Timson, David (reader)
16 "Tout est fini" 03:49
Timson, David (reader)

Total Playing Time: 01:19:14