Search - Richard [1] Strauss, Edo de Waart, Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra :: Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier

A Heart Felt Rosenkavalier

Good Stuff | 02/06/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"While hardly the last word, there is much to enjoy in this "Rosenkavalier", starting with the radiant Octavian of the great Frederica von Stade.There is also much to admire in the somewhat tragic Marschallin of Evelyn Lear. Obviously this artist has put much thought into her interpretation and if her voice is a bit past it's best days here, she uses it to her advantage and to the advantage of the role. Her characterization gently tugs at one's heart as she comes to realize she is losing what she knows will be her last great love. This is a more European take on the role than most American audiences are used to. Not a star turn, but more a gentle farewell.I can't help but comment that, in my humble opinion, Evelyn Lear is one of the great singing actresses of her generation, and this recording, finally, does her justice.Ruth Welting, another singer not as well known as she should be, rounds out the trio of women, and is sparkling as Sophie.Jules Bastin actually sings the part of Baron Ochs, an increasing rarity these days.Edo de Warte conducts well.All in all, this is a fine performance, enhanced by the security of all the principals in roles well suited to each of them. Yes, there are probably better Rosenkavaliers out there. But you'll be hard pressed to find one performed with such obvious love of the music.Four stars only because the sound is just slightly dated."

Worst "Rosenkavalier" on Disc

William S. Levison | Valdosta, GA United States | 07/04/2004

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Von Stade is probably the best Octavian among the fine sopranos who have recorded this role. Unfortunately, Evelyn Lear is so far past her prime that she may qualify as the worst of the Marschallins, and Ruth Welting is outclassed by every recorded Sophie (yes, I've heard them all). DeWaart's tempi are sometimes laborious, seemingly to accomodate Lear's vocal problems. The supporting cast is seldom more than adequate; the Marianne is a horror. Bastin's excellent Ochs gets rather lost in the noise. Von Karajan (Schwarzkopf) is still the best, with Solti (Crespin) a very close second. For the budget conscious, the live recording with Janowitz, Minton, and the superb Lucia Popp on Opera d'oro beats this recording by miles."