I love opera and I am very fond of Strauss' music. Der Rosenkavalier is my favourite of his operas particularly for its sublime final trio. This 1982 Met production is excellent, however I do prefer the 1985, 1994 and especially the 1962 productions.
If there are one or two things I wasn't entirely crazy about it was that I did occasionally find the stage direction rather stale though most of it is very well done. And although I like Luciano Pavarotti, his performance for me consisted of a lot of great singing but the acting had a rather mugging and stolid sort of quality to it.
Criticisms aside, the production values are great. The costumes have a very sumptuous look about them, TeKanawa especially is just perfect-looking in these big colourful gowns. Sets are not quite as opulent, but they are far from drab either. The video directing, sound and picture quality are generally fine too.
The music is phenomenal, the whole opera is full of tunes to remember and love but the highlight has for me always been the final trio, and that is performed to perfection here. This music is performed with passion by the very talented orchestra and Levine's conducting as slick and assured as ever.
The four leads are all superb. Sena Jurinac is my favourite Octavian, but that is not to dispute the lovely Tatiana Troyanos in the role here. Her singing is as lovely and as fruitful as ever, she looks quite fetching in the obligatory trouser suit and her acting and chemistry with her colleagues are highly commendable.
Of the Baron Ochs I've heard and seen, Kurt Moll is one of my favourites. Mainly because of all the basses in the role, Moll's voice is the most resonant and the richest. And he is very commanding, I can find Ochs annoying-in character that is- but Moll avoids the trap of going into caricature or adopting somewhat vulgar mannerisms that can elude some Ochs. Ochs may still be annoying in character, thus keeping true to what Baron Ochs should be, but Moll somehow makes him quite likable.
Judith Blegen is perfect as Sophie, complete with a beautiful voice, heartfelt acting ability and a lovely appearance while never falling into overly-sweet territory. She, TeKanawa and Troyanos blend so well together in the final trio.
Speaking of Kiri TeKanawa, in one of her best roles as the Marschallin and looking resplendent in her costuming, she is just stunning! Her creamy voice is put to ideal use and her interpretation of the role is deeply felt. I also feel of all the Marschallins, TeKanawa is perhaps the most beautiful and human.
In conclusion, excellent. 9/10 Bethany Cox
If there are one or two things I wasn't entirely crazy about it was that I did occasionally find the stage direction rather stale though most of it is very well done. And although I like Luciano Pavarotti, his performance for me consisted of a lot of great singing but the acting had a rather mugging and stolid sort of quality to it.
Criticisms aside, the production values are great. The costumes have a very sumptuous look about them, TeKanawa especially is just perfect-looking in these big colourful gowns. Sets are not quite as opulent, but they are far from drab either. The video directing, sound and picture quality are generally fine too.
The music is phenomenal, the whole opera is full of tunes to remember and love but the highlight has for me always been the final trio, and that is performed to perfection here. This music is performed with passion by the very talented orchestra and Levine's conducting as slick and assured as ever.
The four leads are all superb. Sena Jurinac is my favourite Octavian, but that is not to dispute the lovely Tatiana Troyanos in the role here. Her singing is as lovely and as fruitful as ever, she looks quite fetching in the obligatory trouser suit and her acting and chemistry with her colleagues are highly commendable.
Of the Baron Ochs I've heard and seen, Kurt Moll is one of my favourites. Mainly because of all the basses in the role, Moll's voice is the most resonant and the richest. And he is very commanding, I can find Ochs annoying-in character that is- but Moll avoids the trap of going into caricature or adopting somewhat vulgar mannerisms that can elude some Ochs. Ochs may still be annoying in character, thus keeping true to what Baron Ochs should be, but Moll somehow makes him quite likable.
Judith Blegen is perfect as Sophie, complete with a beautiful voice, heartfelt acting ability and a lovely appearance while never falling into overly-sweet territory. She, TeKanawa and Troyanos blend so well together in the final trio.
Speaking of Kiri TeKanawa, in one of her best roles as the Marschallin and looking resplendent in her costuming, she is just stunning! Her creamy voice is put to ideal use and her interpretation of the role is deeply felt. I also feel of all the Marschallins, TeKanawa is perhaps the most beautiful and human.
In conclusion, excellent. 9/10 Bethany Cox
