Massenet, Werther
L’ardua impresa di tradurre musicalmente le angosce del personaggio di Goethe
La Fenice Opera House
La Fenice Opera House
The origin of this opera, Werther is Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s famous novel, The Sorrows of Young Werther, which is based on a true story. The first half is based on Goethe himself, and the second half is based on his friend’s life.
In the latter 18th century, this novel was the most popular book, and 100 years later, Massenet composed this opera based on this novel. Jules Emile Frederic Massenet is one of the most important composers of French operas. He has a special technique for creating beautiful music. He can compose sweet melodies and harmonies. His beautiful music suits Goethe’s love story. I recommend you watch this opera, if you want to enjoy beautiful music in operas.
The Tenor who sings Werther needs not only a high voice but also to express delicate moments. Werther’s aria in Act 3, “Pourquoi me reveiller? (Why do you wake me now?)” has very beautiful melodies. Charlotte is sung not by a Soprano but by a Mezzo Soprano. I think that Massenet cherishes her kindness in taking care of her brothers and sisters, so he composed Charlotte as Mezzo Soprano.
Details
VENEZIA: LA FENICE OPERA HOUSE
Conductor: Guillaume Tourniaire
Director: Rosetta Cucchi
Sets: Tiziano Santi
Costumes: Claudia Pernigotti
Lighting: Daniele Naldi
Tuesday 29, January 2019
Sébastien Guèze
replaces Piero Pretti in the role of Werther
cast
Werther
Jean-François Borras (25, 27)
Sébastien Guèze (29)
Piero Pretti (31/1)
Charlotte Sonia Ganassi
Albert Simon Schnorr
Le Bailli Armando Gabba
Schmidt Cristian Collia
Johann William Corrò
Sophie Pauline Rouillard
Brühlmann
Safa Korkmaz (25, 29/1, 2/2)
Salvatore Scribano (27, 31/1)
Käthchen
Simona Forni (25, 29/1, 2/2)
Paola Rossi (27, 31/1)
Soloists from Kolbe Children’s Choir
Chorus Master Alessandro Toffolo
Hans Tommaso Dall’Ava; Gretel ⎮ Elisa Casadei; Karl ⎮ Umberto Lisiola;
Clara Chiara Cattelan; Max ⎮ Matteo Crudu; Fritz ⎮ Marco Cattelan;
Friends Anastasia Bregantin, Alessandra Mauro, Anna Scarpa, Marta Susanetti
Bologna Theater production
Orchestra e Coro del Teatro La Fenice
Friday 25th of January 2019
