I personally prefer the 1985 production with Kiri TeKanawa, but I think both that and this are excellent. Der Rosenkavalier is my favourite Richard Strauss opera, with absolutely wonderful music, I cannot resist tearing up during the final trio, and a strong story and characters.
Like the 1984 production, the 1994 production is very opulent visually. The sets are lavish and the costumes are exquisite and beautifully tailored. The camera work is also delightful. The orchestra play with real feeling and sensitivity and the conducting from Carlos Kleiber is done with real finesse.
The performances are superb. Barbara Bonney is once again lovely and a real charmer as Sophie, and Felicity Lott a poised and human Marschallin. Kurt Moll is a firm and noble, if slightly annoying, Baron Ochs with good acting skills and he is in fine voice as well. Ann Sophie von Otter steals the show here for me, she is sexy, sings beautifully and her eyes are wonderfully expressive.
Overall, excellent. 9/10 Bethany Cox
