Product: Richard Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier [VHS] (1994)
Rating: 5.0
The ultimate Rosenkavalier
I purchased this Video at a slight risk as I'd never seen the opera before but am a great fan of Von Otter. This performance only helps to emphasise why she is such a magnificent travesti actress and gifted mezzo. She shows great talent as a comic actress and her singing is flawless and ravishing, her opening duet with Lott and the closing trio are two of the most beautiful scenes I have heard. She is an striking Octavian and handsome yet her feminine beauty is very apparent as "Mariandel".Felicity Lott gives a beautiful elegant performance as the Feldmarschallin. Her voice is in amazing form and her the dignity portrayed in the last act will move even the hardest soul. Bonney is the ultimate Sophie. I doubt you find another soprano who could play the young girl with such charm, grace and innocence. Her voice is delicate yet the character is full of determination, she is perfect. Kurt Moll is fantastic as the lascivious Baron, his voice is fascinating and his acting sublime.The presentation of the Rose is so overwhelming that one would pay for the whole opera just to see that moment. If it's amazing singers and actors you want, this is the Video/DVD you should buy.