Carlos Kleiber is at it again in this recording of Der Rosenkavalier. In his magical hands, Strauss’s score breathes like an organic creation; all of the many moving parts locking into complete synergy. The orchestra achieves breathtaking transparency as well as raucous bombast, balancing the nostalgic and comic elements of this beloved opera. Helga Dernesch on paper seems an odd choice for the Marschallin, but she shows she has this role in her blood (likely due in no small part to the fact that she is Viennese.) Yvonne Minton manages to scale back her voluptuous mezzo to more “boyish” proportions and convincingly conveys all of the title character’s optimism and energy. Teresa Cahill was often relegated to supporting roles at Covent Garden which is a shame because she displays a creamy soprano voice that could easily stand next to her more well-known colleagues. Jules Bastin lacks profundo quality as Ochs but makes up for it with a more refined and charming approach to the role.