Der Rosenkavalier

Richard Strauss (1864–1949)

DESCRIPTION

The New York City Opera, long admired for its ventures beyond conventional programming, here offered a performance of Der Rosenkavalier that, while rooted in the familiar repertoire, welcomed a distinguished voice from across the Atlantic. Elisabeth Grümmer, whose career was primarily cultivated in Europe, inhabits the role of the Marschallin with a tone of refined opulence and a touch of luminous fragility. Her portrayal captures the character’s introspective musings on time and aging without relinquishing her vitality—indeed, this Marschallin remains firmly in the full bloom of life. Grümmer’s interpretation stands in confident dialogue with the finest exponents of the role.

Frances Bible contributes a warmly colored Octavian, marked by a persuasive mixture of youthful impetuosity and emotional depth. Patricia Brooks, as Sophie, brings a beguiling freshness to the role; her timbre sparkles with innocence, yet carries a distinctly personal allure that anchors the trio’s final act with clarity and grace.

CAST

Marschallin – Elisabeth Grümmer
Octavian – Frances Bible
Sophie – Patricia Brooks
Baron Ochs – James Pease
von Faninal – David Clatworthy
Marianne – Lou Ann Wycoff
Valzacchi – Luigi Valucci
Annina – Edith Evans
Italian Singer – Salvatore Novoa
Commissioner – Harris Davis
Major Domo - Marschallin – David Smith
Major Domo - Faninal – Joaquin Romaguera
Notary – Don Yule
Innkeeper – Jack Bittner
Millner – John Lankston
Animal Vendor – Joan Summer
Mohamed – Kellis Miller
Orphans – Ronald Offley, Lila Hubert, Anthea De Forest, Joan August

DETAILS

Location: New York
Date: March 12, 1967
Conductor: Julius Rudel
Catalogue Number: OD 12297-3
Label: Opera Depot
Number of Discs: 3
In Mono

Act I

Act II

Act III