Open Web Player
This recording of Rosenkavalier conducted by von Karajan is usually the first of many Rosenkavalier recordings recommended by Straussians and classical music elitists. There is a reason for that: Karajan's sumptuous, Viennese, and beautiful conducting (a very Straussian quality), and the contribution of great artists such as Christa Ludwig and Elisabeth Schwarzkopf to this great score. In terms of musical technicality, Karajan brings out the music's lush qualities in such a way that very very few conductors has matched since. His vision gives a very melancholy view to the opera...very Romantic and melancholy. Some people may not like it, but I do.
The singers in this recording are reknowned for their interpretations of the roles, with Elisabeth Schwarzkopf's Marschallin being labeled as the definitive take on the Princess' character. I think that, for all her mannerisms and careful treatment of the score though, that the wholistic interpretation of the role is lost. Her voice is perfect for the role though. I have never heard a more affecting and genuine Viennese Marschallin.
The Octavian in this recording is Christa Ludwig. I need not say anything more about this artist except that everything she touches becomes the definitive interpretation of that role. From the alto part in Bach's St. Matthew Passion to Brangane, Waltraute, and Fricka in Wagner, and the Mahler alto parts, everything that this great artist sings is a pleasure to the ear and to the interpetive listener's point of view. She set the prototype of the mezzo Octavian for future generations (in what was supposed to be a soprano role).
Teresa Stich-Randall is a so-so choice for the part of Sophie. I've heard better elsewhere. Otto Edelmann though, is a very good Ochs. It is very funny...very Viennese. Nicolai Gedda is a very fluent and dulcet-sounding Italian tenor.
In conclusion, while I think this Rosenkavalier has many merits that make it a delight to listen to, I don't think it should be the definitive Rosenkavalier for any collection. There are cuts here and there, but it is nonetheless a magnificent performance. Also, I think the conducting could have used a bit more liveliness to it as opposed to the Romantic and melancholy sound that Karajan brought to this interpretation. It is an excellent Rosenkavalier, but there are a few recordings that have advantages over it.
I would say, perhaps Carlos Kleiber's Rosenkavalier with Fassbaender and Gwyneth Jones and Lucia Popp would probably top the list because of the wonderful conducting and the near-perfect cast (but really, Schwarzkopf could be a better Marschallin than Jones in many instances) and Popp's perfect Sophie. Another set I really like is Solti's due to the excellence of his cast and the beauty of Helen Donath's Sophie, which has never been bettered on disc. Although Regine Crespin does not have the most fluid of voices, she gives a most touching portrayal of the Marschallin, and I definitely like Yvonne Minton's very strong Octavian. Solti is not the most Viennese conductor, but his lively reading of the score gives it some new perspective. I think listeners should give Erich Kleiber's account with Decca a try. Jurinac and Güden are perfect as Octavian and Sophie, and Reining, even if her voice is rather mature for the Marschallin, gives a most breathtaking and complete interpretation. The Ochs in that recording, Ludwig Weber, is also one of the best interpreters of the part without the hammy theatrics of some Barons. I'd still stick with this one for Schwarzkopf though, but Stich-Randall ruins an otherwise near-perfect set for me.
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Hard Rock apparel
Outerwear, tees, and accessories. Discover the rock shop.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
