With music composed by late-19th century French composer, Jules Massenet, and a libretto based upon Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's epistolary and quasi-autobiographical novel, The Sorrows of Young Werther, this three act opera continues to exhilarate audiences despite being virtually forgotten for most of the 20th century. Werther follows the travails of a sensitive, and slightly gloomy young artist, Werther, and the beautiful young girl, Charlotte, with whom he falls in love. The opera's tragic impetus is sparked by the unexpected return of Charlotte's intended husband, Albert, leaving Werther to sorrow over the loss of his true love to marriage with another. Werther truly showcases the melodic talents of Jules Massenet, and effectively secures his place as one of the greatest melodists of his era.
