Georg Solti, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House - Richard Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier (2004/1985)
NTSC 4:3 (720x480) | Deutsch (Dolby AC3, 2 ch) | 7.47 Gb (DVD9) | 197 min
Classical | NVC ARTS | Sub.: English, Francais, Deutsch, Espanol, Japanese
NTSC 4:3 (720x480) | Deutsch (Dolby AC3, 2 ch) | 7.47 Gb (DVD9) | 197 min
Classical | NVC ARTS | Sub.: English, Francais, Deutsch, Espanol, Japanese
This Covent Garden performance has transferred to video and DVD remarkably successfully, partly because the singing and acting of the principals is so good, but chiefly because conductor Georg Solti finds an excellent balance between sharp characterisation and sumptuous romance; between wit and mischief on the one hand and profound feelings on the other. Though sensitive to its beauties, Solti keeps the music moving along, never becoming sloppy or over-indulgent.
The production captures Kiri te Kanawa at her very best. She sounds and looks wonderful, and embodies the role with total commitment, in a way that is ultimately very moving. She conveys superbly the transition of the Marschallin from a playfully voracious lover when the curtain goes up on Act I, via her profound meditation on advancing age at the close of that same act, all the way to the self-sacrifice she offers to Octavian and Sophie at the end of Act III. I would love to think – and it’s perfectly possible to believe - that the tears visible on her cheeks at the end of Act I are completely genuine and innocent of any chemical stimulation!(Gwyn Parry-Jones)
Cast:
The Marschallin - Kiri te Kanawa
Octavian - Anne Howells
Baron Ochs of Lerchenau - Aage Haugland
Sophie Faninal - Barbara Bonney
Major Domo to the Marschallin - Kim Begley
Notary - John Gibbs
Valzacchi - Robert Tear
Anina - Cynthia Buchan
Singer - Dennis O’Neill
Herr von Faninal - Jonathan Summers
Marianne - Phyllis Cannan
Major Domo to Faninal - John Dobson
Host - Paul Crook
Police Commisar - Roderick Earle
The Royal Chorus and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
Conductor - Georg Solti