WERTHER

Composer: JULES MASSSENET Book by Epovarp Bau, Paut Mitttet, and GrorcGes Hartman, from Goethe’s novel The Sorrows of Werther First performance: Hofoper, Vienna, February 16, 1892 4 acts. THE DAUGHTER of the bailiff has taken care of her brothers and sisters since her mother’s death. She is waiting to go to the ball with Albert, a young man to whom she has become engaged at her mother’s wish. Charlotte loves Werther rather than Albert, but marries as her mother wished her to. Months later Werther, having been sent away, returns to retell his love for Charlotte. Her affection has not died either, but she insists he must leave because nothing can ever change her present married status. Werther then says he is going on a long journey and asks to borrow Albert’s pistols. Albert complies without questioning, but Charlotte, when she hears of it, is frightened, and hurries to find him only to arrive too late. He dies in her arms.