Werther is for me one of Massenet's best, second only to Manon. The music is gorgeous and I do find myself engrossed and touched by the story. This Werther, like the Neil Shicoff and Jonas Kaufmann performances, is a winner. I liked the handsome production values, the sets especially look so elegant and the costumes especially Werther in Act 3 are dapper. Musically it is very good as well. The orchestra are sensitive yet stylish and powerful and the conducting also has that simple elegance as well as playing and phrasing to his singers' strengths. The staging, especially in the final scene and Pourquoi Me Reveiller compelled me into the drama and in an involving and poignant manner. The video directing is sharp and has intimacy with the performers, and the sound is mostly very good if occasionally a little too quiet. The performances are excellent, Sophie is charming and Albert is both menacing and sympathetic. But it is the performances of Peter Dvorsky and Brigitte Fassbaender that make this Werther. Dvorsky is ardent, acts with affecting intensity and sings stylishly and beautifully. Fassbaender displays a powerful yet lovely voice and embodies the role of Charlotte. All in all, a winner of a Werther. 9/10 Bethany Cox
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