Richard Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier - Sydney Opera House (2010) [Blu-ray]

Der Rosenkavalier, the most successful opera of Richard Strauss and Hugo von Hofmannsthal’s partnership, is a story of love, lust and human frailty. The story is not complicated but it soars and dips on Strauss’ music with Hofmannsthal’s expressive libretto. With Cheryl Barker in the role of the Marschallin, who can fail to be moved by her poignant portrayal of facing the final loss of youth and her young lover?

Count Octavian, Catherine Carby, has the vibrant voice of a young man who has his life to enjoy with no thought of anything but pleasure and the Marschallin’s company – until he meets the beautiful and innocent Sophie von Faninal, played by Emma Pearson. The boorish Baron Ochs auf Lerchenau is superbly exposed by Manfred Hemm, his Viennese accent lending authenticity.

With all the outstanding artists completing the cast and the Opera Australia and Ballet Orchestra, this production is led by conductor Andrew Litton to create a truly stunning operatic and theatrical experience against the classic staging of Carl Friedrich Oberle.