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)
1Introduction04:25
Timson, David (reader)
2Ballet in French opera03:47
Timson, David (reader)
3French opera in the 1800s03:59
Timson, David (reader)
4Other French opera composers05:12
Timson, David (reader)
5Goethe and the plot of Werther05:17
Timson, David (reader)
6Prelude and opening of Act I07:24
Timson, David (reader)
7Charlotte enters04:13
Timson, David (reader)
8Charlotte and Werther return from the ball06:31
Timson, David (reader)
9Act II, three months later05:12
Timson, David (reader)
10Albert confronts Werther05:38
Timson, David (reader)
11Charlotte discourages Werther03:13
Timson, David (reader)
12Act III: Prelude and "Letter Scene"05:39
Timson, David (reader)
13Sophie comes to cheer up Charlotte04:44
Timson, David (reader)
14Charlotte and Werther05:45
Timson, David (reader)
15Act IV, Werther's apartment04:26
Timson, David (reader)
16"Tout est fini"03:49
Timson, David (reader)

Total Playing Time: 01:19:14