I was not fortunate enough to attend a live concert, but I was able to watch Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier on metopera.org. This concert was performed on May 13, 2017 and had a run time of 3 hours and 48 minutes. Music was by Richard Strauss and the libretto by Hogo von Hafmannsthal. This opera mixes elements from previous works: L’Ingenu Libertin and Monsieur de Pourceaugnac. Four of the main people who performed in Der Rosenkavalier are Reneé Fleming, Elīna Garanča, Günther Groissböck, and Erin Morley. The concert consisted of three acts and thirty-three movements.
Strauss used this piece as an attempt to re-invent Mozartian comedy. The original set and costumes are both used to evoke the attraction and romance of the 1740 Vienna. The setting for this new production moves to the timeframe of 1911. It was directed by Robert Carsen and conducted by Sebastian Weigle. There are 4 main leading characters: The Marschallin (Soprano), Count Octavian (Mezzo-Soprano), Baron Ochs (Bass), and Sophie (Soprano). All of which are listed in the first paragraph. The opera setting uses a large orchestra. There is a Viennese waltz that is reoccurring throughout the opera and is recognized instantly. This was interesting to me because it was always an indication of someone who was lying or trying to cover their identity. This shows Strauss’s use and love
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The trio sung by Octavian, Sophie, and the Marschallin. This trio is known as the “Hab mir’s geblot”. Strauss uses these three women’s voices to portray the emotions of a young woman while the orchestra provides an underscore. I just have to say, this is by far my favorite part of this opera. It was absolutely beautiful! This was followed by a delightful duet between Octavian and Sophie. This is also one of the operas high points. The only downfall noticed in this act would at the end when the strings, winds, and percussion all being to go downward. This part did sound quite right to