Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier – review

# Classical music

# Glyndebourne

# London Philharmonic Orchestra

# Richard Strauss

Caballé, Edelmann, Zylis-Gara, Mathis, London Philharmonic Orchestra/Pritchard (GFOCD)

In 1959, when Glyndebourne festival was in its tiny old theatre, Richard Strauss's grand Der Rosenkavalier seemed unlikely to succeed. But Carl Ebert's new production proved a classic. In the 1965 revival from which this live three-CD set is taken, Montserrat Caballé – in full vocal bloom - made her festival debut. This is her only recording in the role of Marschallin. The glorious cast includes Edith Mathis (Sophie), Teresa Zylis-Gara (Octavian) and Otto Edelmann (Baron Ochs). The LPO plays with flamboyance and delicacy in the expert hands of chief conductor John Pritchard. If the sound is a bit rough and boxy, the music joyfully breaks free. The celebrated Trio provides a properly succulent finale.

Contributor

Fiona Maddocks

The GuardianTramp

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