It’s love hidden, proclaimed, delayed, found...and love not to be. Richard Strauss' bittersweet romantic comedy Der Rosenkavalier (The Knight of the Rose) features a superb ensemble led by Viennese soprano Martina Serafin in one of her signature roles, the Marschallin. Mezzo-soprano Alice Coote sings the trouser role of the Marschallin’s young lover, Octavian, while soprano Erin Morley is Sophie, the innocent young woman who comes between the two. Bass Peter Rose reprises his acclaimed interpretation of the Marschallin’s oafish cousin, Baron Ochs. Edward Gardner conducts the archival broadcast from earlier this season.
The opera, sung in German, tells the story of a love triangle between an aristocratic lady, her young rival, and the brash paramour they both desire. Strauss' work follows the tangled relationships between four characters after the object of a baron's affection falls in love with the courtier assigned the task of delivering an engagement proposal. A kaleidoscope of romance, Der Rosenkavalier includes unparalleled orchestral fireworks from the opening explosion to the final joke, and a moment of vocal writing so blindingly luminous that, out of the entire operatic repertoire, it is called, simply, The Trio.
Saturday, February 22, 1 to 5:30 pm.
Cast:
Martina Serafin: The Marschallin
Peter Rose: Baron Ochs
Erin Morley: Sophie
Octavian: Alice Coote
Faninal: Hans-Joachim Ketelsen
Italian Singer: Eric Cutler
Edward Gardner: conductor
The intermissions will include interviews with Serafin and Coote, and legendary mezzo-soprano Christa Ludwig who appeared in this production as both Octavian and the Marschallin during the season of its premiere.