Massenet's Werther at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées: a summit of French Romanticism

Inspired by Goethe's epistolary novel "Les Souffrances du jeune Werther", Jules Massenet 's opera is a pinnacle of the French Romantic repertoire. Premiered in 1892, Werther sets to music the story of the impossible love between Werther and Charlotte, a tale of emotional intensity that has spanned the centuries. The orchestrally rich score alternates moments of passion and profound melancholy, sublimated by one of the most famous arias in the repertoire: "Pourquoi me réveiller" ("Why wake me up").

For this new production, the title role is entrusted to Benjamin Bernheim, a tenor renowned for his expressive timbre and dramatic sensitivity. He is joined by Marina Viotti as Charlotte, torn between her family duty and her love for Werther. Jean-Sébastien Bou (Albert), Sandra Hamaoui (Sophie) and Marc Scoffoni (Le Bailli) round off the mainly French-speaking cast, directed by Marc Leroy-Calatayud. Christof Loy 's staging, revised by Silvia Aurea De Stefano, promises a refined, intimate reading of the work.

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The orchestra Les Siècles, conducted by Marc Leroy-Calatayud, should provide a historically informed reading of the score, faithful to Massenet's original sonorities. The Maîtrise des Hauts-de-Seine children's choir will enrich the atmosphere of this powerful yet delicate opera.

Werther will appeal to lovers of opera and musical romanticism, seduced by Massenet's dramatic intensity and melodic beauty. Those who appreciate great operatic voices and refined staging should be won over by this production. On the other hand, audiences looking for a more playful or spectacular opera might be surprised by the work's melancholy, introspective tone.

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This production is a co-production between the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées and Teatro alla Scala, a guarantee of stage and musical excellence. The approach of Christof Loy, known for his subtle, psychological stagings, should enhance the emotion of this already deeply moving work.

With Benjamin Bernheim and Marina Viotti in the leading roles, Werther at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées promises to be an intense and poignant operatic experience. A rare opportunity to rediscover one of the masterpieces of the French repertoire!

This article is based on information available on the show and is not derived from direct viewing of the production.

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