蜜芽传媒

A village near Frankfurt towards the end of the 18th century

Act I

The garden of the Bailli鈥檚 house; an evening in JulyThe Bailli is rehearsing his children in a Christmas carol. Two friends, Johann and Schmidt,arrive and congratulate the children. Sophie, the second daughter of the Bailli, appears and they all discuss the ball set for that evening. Mention is made of Werther, a young poet staying in the neighbourhood, and Schmidt asks after Albert, fianc茅 to the Bailli鈥檚eldest daughter Charlotte, and who is soon to return to Wetzlar. Johann and Schmidt leave in anticipation of the evening鈥檚 drinking, the Bailli ushers his children indoors and Sophie goes to find Charlotte.

Werther arrives, overcome by the beauty and tranquility of the surroundings; hearing the rehearsal indoors he muses on the children鈥檚 innocent happiness. Charlotte enters,and Werther watches unobserved as she gives the children their tea. The Bailli notices Werther and presents the children and Charlotte to him. Werther is moved by Charlotte鈥檚 devotion to the children. Charlotte and Werther leave for the ball; Albert arrives and is greeted by Sophie. He asks if he is still remembered after six months鈥� absence.

Orchestral interlude: Moonlight

Charlotte and Werther return from the dance. He declares his love for her, and she tells him how her mother鈥檚 early death has left her to take care of the family. Werther becomes increasingly passionate until the Bailli calls from the house that Albert is back. Charlotte tells Werther of her promise to her dying mother to marry Albert. Werther is plunged into despair.

Act II

A Sunday in October, outside a church in Wetzlar

Three months have passed and Charlotte is now settled in her marriage to Albert. Asusual, Johann and Schmidt are drinking, while the organ can be heard from inside the church. Charlotte and Albert walk together to the Sunday service, observed by Werther who imagines the happiness with Charlotte that he has lost.

When Albert comes out of the church, he speaks kindly to Werther, acknowledging that he may have been in love with Charlotte before her marriage. Sophie interrupts the conversation by bringing a bunch of flowers for the Pastor, who is celebrating his golden wedding anniversary that day. Albert suggests to Werther that he think of marrying Sophie.

Charlotte arrives from the church. Werther鈥檚 obvious infatuation leads her to insist he leave and not return until Christmas. Werther鈥檚 immediate reaction is to think of suicide. He leaves. Albert, returning, sees Charlotte鈥檚 sadness at Werther鈥檚 departure.He understands that Werther is still in love with her.

Act III

Albert鈥檚 house on Christmas Eve

Missing Werther deeply, Charlotte rereads his letters to her and fears he might not return at Christmas. Sophie interrupts and tries in vain to console Charlotte. Left alone,Charlotte fervently prays to God for help.

Werther appears in the doorway. Depite Charlotte鈥檚 efforts to resist, their meeting turns increasingly to one of passion. Overcome by guilt, she bids Werther a final farewell and rushes from the room.

Albert returns, aware that Werther has been there. He summons Charlotte and notices her distress. A message arrives from Werther requesting the loan of Albert鈥檚 pistols.Albert commands Charlotte to give them to the messenger. Realizing Werther鈥檚 intention, Charlotte rushes after him.

Orchestral interlude: Christmas Eve

Act IV

Werther鈥檚 study later the same evening

Werther has shot himself. Charlotte arrives to find him dying, and confesses her love for him. Before he dies, he tells her where he wishes to be buried.