Richard Strauss – Der Rosenkavalier (3-CD Set)

Product Information

• UPC: 5099704256429
• Catalog Number: M3K 42564 / CB (793)
• Product Type: 3-CD Set, Reissue, Stereo Box Set
• Title: Der Rosenkavalier
• Composer: Richard Strauss (1864–1949)
• Libretto by: Hugo von Hofmannsthal
• Label: CBS Masterworks (Distributed by CBS Records/CBS Disques)
• Artists & Soloists:
  • Die Feldmarschallin: Christa Ludwig
  • Octavian: Gwyneth Jones
  • Sophie: Lucia Popp
  • Der Baron Ochs auf Lerchenau: Walter Berry
  • Tenor (various roles): Placido Domingo
  • Additional cast: Ludwig, Jones, Berry, Popp, and others as featured in the performance
• Ensembles:Conductor: Leonard Bernstein
  • Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
  • Chorus of the Vienna State Opera
• Produced by: John Culshaw
• Recording Information:
  • Recorded at Sofiensaal, Vienna, Austria
  • Recording Dates: March 22–24, 1971 and April 1–10, 1971
  • Engineers: Gordon Parry, James Lock, Jack Law
• Manufacturing & Printing:
  • Printed and Box & Booklet produced in Holland
• Format & Technology:                           Country: USA & Canada (Distributed by Sony Classical)
  • Digital Reissue in Stereo
• Release Year: Originally 1971; reissued under CBS Masterworks
• Warnings: Unauthorized copying, public performance, broadcasting, hiring or rental prohibited.

Overview

English Overview

Experience the grandeur and wit of Richard Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier with this definitive 3-CD set. This world-renowned recording captures a legendary performance under the luminous baton of Leonard Bernstein with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the Chorus of the Vienna State Opera. Witness operatic brilliance in every detail as Christa Ludwig enchants as the Feldmarschallin, Gwyneth Jones stuns as Octavian, Lucia Popp mesmerizes as Sophie, and Walter Berry delivers a masterful portrayal of the irreverent Baron Ochs. Also featuring the distinguished tenor Placido Domingo, the opera unfolds with a sumptuous blend of spoken text, aria, ensemble, and choral highlights that explore themes of love, humor, and redemption in five dramatic acts. Produced by John Culshaw, this reissue stands as a historical and artistic milestone, perfect for both collectors and new listeners alike.

French Overview (Vue d'ensemble)

Vivez la grandeur et l’esprit espiègle de Der Rosenkavalier de Richard Strauss grâce à ce coffret 3 CD définitif. Cet enregistrement de renommée mondiale capture une performance légendaire sous la direction éclatante de Leonard Bernstein, avec l’Orchestre Philharmonique de Vienne et le Chœur de l’Opéra d’État de Vienne. Admirez l'excellence lyrique dans le moindre détail : Christa Ludwig enchante dans le rôle de la Feldmarschallin, Gwyneth Jones éblouit dans le rôle d'Octavian, Lucia Popp charme en interprétant Sophie et Walter Berry livre une performance magistrale en tant que Baron Ochs. Avec l'inoubliable ténor Placido Domingo, l'opéra se déploie en un savant mélange d'arias, d'ensembles et de numéros chorals explorant l'amour, l'humour et la rédemption à travers cinq actes dramatiques. Produit par John Culshaw, cette réédition constitue une étape historique et artistique incontournable, idéale tant pour les collectionneurs que pour de nouveaux auditeurs.

Product Features

Format & Packaging

• Media Format: 3 Compact Discs in Stereo
• Packaging:
  • Comes in a collectible box set with a beautifully designed booklet featuring photos, libretto, and extensive notes.
  • Printed in Holland, reflecting a classic aesthetic that honors the opera’s history.
• Edition:
  • This is a reissue from CBS Masterworks, importing this legendary recording for worldwide distribution by Sony Classical.

Musical & Production Details

• Opera Structure:
  • Der Rosenkavalier is an opera in five acts that interweaves lyrical beauty with satirical wit and dramatic complexity.
  • The libretto by Hugo von Hofmannsthal sets a sophisticated stage for romantic entanglements, societal commentary, and emotional transformation.
• Conductor & Orchestra:
  • Leonard Bernstein leads the Vienna Philharmonic with passion and precision, creating a soundscape full of color, nuance, and dynamic contrasts.
• Soloist Highlights:
  • Christa Ludwig’s majestic and commanding portrayal alongside Gwyneth Jones’s scintillating performance as Octavian and Lucia Popp’s evocative interpretation of Sophie are among the recording’s highlights.
  • Walter Berry delivers impeccable comic timing and pathos in his role as Baron Ochs.
  • Placido Domingo’s tenor adds a unique and riveting dimension to the opera’s diverse vocal palette.
• Recording Excellence:
  • Captured at the historic Sofiensaal in Vienna during 1971, excellent engineering by Gordon Parry, James Lock, and Jack Law ensures a crisp, immersive listening experience.
  • The reissue takes full advantage of advanced digital remastering to recreate the original brilliance in high fidelity.

Track Listing

Due to the exhaustive and intricate nature of Der Rosenkavalier, the complete track listing is provided in the accompanying booklet. The opera unfolds over three CDs structured as follows:

• Act I:

  • Introduktion
  • "Wie Du Warst! Wie Du Bist!"
  • "Marie Theres'!"
  • "Quinquin, Es Ist Mein Mann!"
  • ... (additional movements continue through Act I)

• Act II:

  • "Ich Werd' Jetzt In Die Kirchen Gehn'"
  • "Ich Hab' Ihn Nicht Einmal Geküßt"
  • "Einleitung" – followed by several ensemble and solo segments detailing dramatic confrontations and humorous exchanges.

• Act III:

  • Begins with a grand Einleitung und Pantomime, followed by an array of expressive scenes that capture the opera’s climactic twists.

(For a detailed movement-by-movement breakdown, please refer to the digital booklet included with the set.)

Interesting Facts

English Interesting Facts

• Legendary Recording:
  This recording is widely acknowledged as one of the finest interpretations of Der Rosenkavalier, immortalized by its stellar cast and Bernstein’s visionary conduction.
• Historical Significance:
  Recorded in 1971 at Vienna’s Sofiensaal, it remains a landmark document of operatic performance from one of the golden eras of live opera.
• Iconic Collaborations:
  The collaboration among Christa Ludwig, Gwyneth Jones, Lucia Popp, Walter Berry, and Placido Domingo, under the direction of Leonard Bernstein, created an unmatched synergy that has influenced numerous subsequent productions.

French Interesting Facts (Faits intéressants)

• Enregistrement Légendaire :
  Cet enregistrement est considéré comme l'une des meilleures interprétations de Der Rosenkavalier, immortalisé par une distribution exceptionnelle et la direction visionnaire de Bernstein.
• Importance Historique :
  Enregistré en 1971 au Sofiensaal de Vienne, il demeure un document emblématique d'une époque dorée de l'opéra en direct.
• Collaborations Iconiques :
  La synergie entre Christa Ludwig, Gwyneth Jones, Lucia Popp, Walter Berry et Placido Domingo, sous la direction de Leonard Bernstein, a créé une alchimie incomparable qui a influencé de nombreuses productions ultérieures.

Publishers

Released by CBS Masterworks, distributed by CBS Records/CBS Disques worldwide (with exceptions as noted).
Produced by John Culshaw with engineering by Gordon Parry, James Lock, and Jack Law.
Printed and packaged in Holland.
© CBS/Sony Inc. All rights reserved.

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