Strauss

Der Rosenkavalier

Schech, Töpper, Köth, Edelmann, Fehenberger; Knappertsbusch
München, 1957

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Der Rosenkavalier

For those who associate Hans Knappertsbusch almost exclusively with Wagner, this performance of Der Rosenkavalier offers a refreshing change of pace. Knappertsbusch handles Strauss's intricate score with surprising finesse, bringing a buoyant lightness to the music while maintaining his signature breadth of tempo. The final trio, in particular, is exquisitely paced—perhaps one of the most beautifully shaped renditions on record—while elsewhere he propels the orchestra with sudden bursts of exhilarating energy.

The result is a performance that balances youthful vigor with a graceful, understated sentimentality. Hertha Töpper's handsome mezzo is ideally suited to Octavian, offering warmth and nobility. Marianne Schech captivates with her silky soprano, especially when drawing on her radiant upper register. Erika Köth's Sophie veers toward the chirpy side, but her charm prevails without tipping into saccharine sweetness. Otto Edelmann's Baron Ochs may lack depth in the lowest notes, but he compensates with buffo elegance and comic flair.

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5.0 Based on 2 reviews
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David R.✓ Top Reviewer

United States

Overall rating

Magnificent Performance in Excellent Sound!

If you've ever wondered why Der Rosenkavalier is so popular, listen to this performance and you'll understand. These singers live and breathe their characters and convey the work's bittersweet charm and humor effortlessly. Not everything is flawless- this is a live performance after all - and there may be other singers I prefer at different moments, but overall this performance conveys the essence of the score in a captivating manner.Schech, Töpper, and Köth all work together spontaneously, really listening and reacting to each other. The blend in the final trio and duet is seamless. Edelmann's Ochs was famous from Karajan's studio recording made a year previously, but here he is clearly enjoying himself even more without the constraints of the studio to annoy him. He doesn't sing all the lowest notes and has to work for the low E at the end of Act Two, but it doesn't matter. Strauss would've loved him and so will you.The supporting cast is excellent down to the last person. Knappertsbusch's tempi are a little broader than usual, but this has the benefit of allowing the singers to savor the text more. He also knows how to pace the opera without being self-indulgent. The Pirate Gods happily preserved this performance in excellent sound: clear, warm, alive.A Rosenkavalier for everyone!
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Horia G.✓ Top Reviewer
Overall rating

A FINE AND WITTY "DER ROSENKAVALIER"

A great wonderful live recording of Richard Strauss's most classical operatic masterpiece, starring and featuring a magnificent cast of incomparable singers.
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