Strauss

Der Rosenkavalier

Grümmer, Bible, Brooks, Pease, Novoa; Rudel
New York, 1967

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Der Rosenkavalier

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.

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David R.✓ Top Reviewer

United States

Overall rating

Great Performance in Good Enough Sound!

I don't know whether this recording stems from a house or an in-house tape. The voices are clearly heard though occasionally they move upstage away from wherever the mic was. Occasionally one hears voices talking softly close to the mic. Julius Rudel was originally from Vienna and he brings his musical know-how and the correct style to the proceedings.Elisabeth Grümmer is again a wonderful Marschallin. This is the fourth recording from Opera Depot's catalog to feature her in the role. She is attentive to meaning, but never overinflects Hofmannstahl's text. Her voice is still lovely. Frances Bible was a long-time member of the NYCO singing a variety of roles. She was a well-known Octavian as well and shows why here. Her rich mezzo with its easy top is definitely an asset. Patricia Brooks is an enchanting Sophie. Her "Wie himmlische" in the Presentation of the Rose scene is indeed heavenly.James Pease is in splendid form, capable of Ochs' higher and lower note extremes (from top F# to low C). He manages to capture Ochs' obnoxious charm with even a hint of a Viennese accent (Rudel probably helped out). Sadly, he died only a month or so after this performance. The supporting cast is made up of many terrific NYCO regulars all of who perform their roles very well. David Clatworthy stands out as Faninal, Salvatore Novoa sings the Tenor's aria with beauty and panache, Joaquin Romaguera makes his mark as Faninal's Majordomo, and Lou Ann Wycoff is a splendid Marianne.Anyone with an interest in the singers or why the NYCO was considered such an extraordinary company should hear this performance.
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