Werther in Truffaut's sets Goethe’s drama “The Sufferings of Young Werther” found a brilliant musical embodiment in the opera of the greatest representative of French romanticism Jules Massenet.
In 2005, the Vienna Opera presented the premiere of this work directed by Andrei Scherban. The Romanian director created a unique atmosphere in Truffaut’s psychological aesthetic, shifting the action time by almost two centuries – from late 18th-century Germany to the very end of the 1950s – a similarly watershed era. In Goethe’s novel, the late feudal society, still waiting to awaken, encounters the idealist Werther, who embodies the ideas of the Enlightenment and bourgeois freedom. Scherban's version recreates the nascent spirit of the rebellious 60s, in conflict with archaic conservatism. And the story of the passion of the young poet acquires new shades, again gets relevance.
Very refined scenography serves as a worthy design for brilliant performance. In the title game - Argentine tenor Marcelo Alvarez - recognized Werther at the turn of the century. And although in this record the Argentine is at the stage of transition to a dramatic repertoire, the sound of his warm, sensual, magnificent voice still retains lyrical softness and incredible charm. Passion, impulsiveness, exaltation - these are the components of the dramatic image of Werther, a true romantic hero. Shcherban gives Werther melancholy, even depressive nervousness, emphasizing the deep psychological image.
The object of the fateful passion of Werther – Charlotte – performed by the Latvian mezzo Elina Garanci. Shcherban offers an alternative interpretation of the character of this heroine - from a well-behaved philistine, he turns her into a fatal beauty, aware of her power over men, a manipulator, ruthlessly playing with Werther's feelings. A deceptive kiss, which she playfully gives to Werther, eventually becomes the cause of his death.
In the image of the staid Albert, the Austrian baritone Adrian Erod, the owner of a very light, almost tenor sound, quite elegant for French music.
This version of Vetrera is a rare example of a successful merger of aesthetic and performing merits, and therefore this masterpiece is worthy of attention.