Der Rosenkavalier has one of the longest and
most exquisitely crafted texts of all opera. The
depth and subtlety of the characterization can
only be appreciated by those who have read it.
Derrick Puffett notes that the sentimentality
and parody of the subject perfectly matched
Strauss’s genius. Michael Kennedy’s detailed
musical commentary shows how the large
orchestra is handled with exceptional skill. Peter
Branscombe points out that Hofmannsthal set
a new standard of libretto-writing and shows
how the ideas in
Der Rosenkavalier may be
traced to his other works for the stage, in his
prose and poetry.
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'Brilliantly produced and superb value.'
Sunday Times
'All these will provide the new opera-goer with food for thought.'
Daily Telegraph
'Wholehearted recommendation of this valuable new series.'
TLS
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