Werther: Act 3, Aria: Va! Laisse couler mes larmes

WERTHER, an opera in four acts by Jules Massenet (1842-1912), found its inspiration in a novel by Goethe, The Sorrows of Young Werther, which in turn based its story on the actual suicide of a young man haunted with adoration for a married woman.  First performed on February 16, 1892 in Vienna, it quickly reached the stage of the Theatre Lyrique in Paris but faltered due to its serious subject matter.  The growing success of Massenet's opera Manon allowed it to be introduced to Germany.  From there, it achieved fame in opera houses across the world. In the third act, Charlotte is home alone on Christmas Eve, distressed at the conflict over Werther's love for her. While her younger sister Sophie joins her and attempts to cheer her ("Ah! le rire est b?ni"), the inconsolable Charlotte sings "Va! Laisse couler mes larmes" (Oh I cannot hold back these tears!). Werther's (tenor) entrance following the aria is included. Instrumentation: 2(2nd d. Picc).2(2nd d. EH).2+BCl.2: 1ASax: 4.2.3.1: Timp.Perc(1): Str (4.4.3.3.3 in set): Soli MzSop.Sop. Reprint edition.