Der Rosenkavalier

I mulled over the question: which of the half dozen productions I've seen is the best? It's this one, with a stunning performance by Kiri te Kanawa as the Marschallin. She's so moving, so regal that it takes your breath away. Anne Howells is fine in the comic parts, but when the mood changes to drama she is a bit lacking; the Act Two conflict she has with Ochs is not as effective as it is in other productions. Aage Haugland doesn't impress me as much as Jungwirth did in 1979, but is still effective at many moments. Finally, about Barbara Bonney, a quote: '...an enchantingly vulnerable Sophie, as lovely to hear...as she is to behold' (International Herald Tribune)--and that gets my complete approval.