Werther - ROH

[Ein Heldenleben]

Just to say that there was some very fine singing at the general rehearsal today. Given the stellar casting it’s a bit surprising there are so many spare tickets in the performances starting Tuesday. It’s also a very well directed production. Think I’ll have to go back as I suspect one or two principals were saving themselves - as is their right . I think this is going to be a hit.

[John Locke]

I've not seen the opera, though I have read The Sorrows of Young Werther. It struck me as rather maudlin as a story - just right for an opera! I would like to get to see it.

[Serial_Apologist]

I've not seen the opera, though I have read The Sorrows of Young Werther. It struck me as rather maudlin as a story - just right for an opera! I would like to get to see it.

But you can still make a mint out of it.

[Ein Heldenleben]

On a pedantic note aren’t Werther’s originals caramels rather than mints? They have to be eaten with EXTREME caution...

[Pianorak]

Love the performance with Alfredo Kraus and Tatiana Troyanos; the LPO conducted by Michel Plasson. Still my favourite. (Warner Classics CD)

[Ein Heldenleben]

Yep. What a singer Kraus was..

[Constantbee]

I've not seen the opera, though I have read The Sorrows of Young Werther. It struck me as rather maudlin as a story - just right for an opera! I would like to get to see it.

The original book, by Goethe, was a huge literary success throughout Europe, inviting cricitism and condemnation but inspiring fascination, a cult following and a fashion for copy-cat suicides, the victims dressing in similar costumes using similar weapons and dying with the book at their sides. This does look like an exciting production. Sorry I can’t get there, but perhaps someone can keep me posted and I’ll be on the look out for recommended recordings (maybe Pianorak's recommendation of the Plasson LPO) in the mean time. On a limited budget I’d find it hard to choose between Werther and seeing Donato and Fagioli in Agrippina, though

[gurnemanz]

I would be tempted but don't think we'll make it. Pure chance led us to see Janet Baker who was marvellous as Charlotte in the ENO production conducted by Charles Mackerras in 1977. We happened to be walking down St Martins Lane, noticed it was on and bought tickets for the same evening. It turned out to be the only time I saw JB live on stage.

[Ein Heldenleben]

Wish I’d had the wit to do the same - I must have walked past the same poster!
I did see Werther with Carreras and Von Stade in the 70’s and that was magnificent . It’s a bit of a slow burn the opera really with a bit too much scene setting early on but a shattering ending. I was wondering whether the opera marks an early appearance even debut for the saxophone in the pit? It was quite beautifully played yesterday.

[Conchis]

Is this a new production? I saw the last revival with Villazon, one of his last operatic gigs before he became a full time pop singer.

ON has a very good production. Saw it a while back with a youngish Alice Coote as Charlotte.

[David-G]

It's the same production. I rather like it. And I love the opera dearly. Yes, it's slow to get started - but this heightens the effect of the catharsis when it comes. Happy memories of Alfredo Kraus, who was always so stylish, wonderful - and of Carreras in his prime - and of von Stade, the only time I was lucky enough to see her - and of Janet Baker. I have tickets for two performances.

[Cockney Sparrow]

Saw Werther last night, with friend (who's got 15 years on me and started earlier) who also has a soft spot for the work, and remembers Baker in thd role, and IIRC, he also saw Von Stade. Isabel Leonard gave a good performance dramatically and vocally, and Florez was committed, convincing and in fine form. Heather Engebretson was also a notable presence as Sophie. I would be happy to see either of the ladies appear in other roles at ROH.
I'm new to Werther, and non-Berlioz (and Bizet) French opera. It was a slow starter but really took off in Act III. I'm glad I'm going again with Mrs Cs, as it's not done that often, so far as I recall. (Cheap seats, I hasten to add).

[Lancashire Lass]

Cheap seats here too! We thoroughly enjoyed it -- my friend hadn't seen much/any live opera before she started coming with me to the ROH this year but she really loved it. The music is so accessible you can't fail to be enraptured. Good to hear JDF live at last and the music showed off beautifully the textures of his voice. Agree about Isabel Leonard and Heather Engebretson -- always nice to discover a new talent (to me, anyway!) in a supporting role.

One thing though -- can someone please ask Edward Gardner to turn down the volume? At times it drowned JDF.

[Constantbee]

Glad it's being so well received.

Anyone seen Fadi Fawaz in the CG area? He's supposed be dossing down there at the moment. I'd expect to find him in the alley next to Corpus Christi Maiden Lane. Somebody buy the bloke a coffee fgs

[Constantbee]

Love the performance with Alfredo Kraus and Tatiana Troyanos; the LPO conducted by Michel Plasson. Still my favourite. (Warner Classics CD)

Thanks PR. Having followed this up ... this recording is currently available on Medici TV. Thinking about a free trial to see it. Whether I'll use it or not I don't know. It'll probably turn out to be just another monthly d/d.