Der Rosenkavalier - Strauss Opera
Music Comedy by R. Strauss 'The Cavalier of the Rose' in Three Acts
Der Rosenkavalier (The Cavalier of the Rose), a German opera by Richard Strauss: opera plot synopsis, character description, and other Richard Strauss opera information.
Der Rosenkavalier ('The Cavalier of the Rose' or 'The Knight of the Rose'), a music comedy in three acts, is considered the best composition of Richard Strauss (1864 – 1949). It was composed between 1909-1910, with libretto in German language by Hugo von Hofmannsthal. Der Rosenkavalier was first performed in Dresden, Hofoper, January 26, 1911. Setting is in Vienna in the 1740s, the early years of the reign of Maria Theresia.
Der Rosenkavalier has enthralled audiences since its 1911 premiere. Following its premiere, it caused such a sensation that rail operators ran additional trains from German-speaking Europe to take unprecedented opera-goers to Dresden.
Sensuous symphonic music exude Viennese pleasures, concocted by the librettist Hugo von Hofmannsthal on a Mozartian story. It is modern, yet of timeless sensibilities, with its melancholy narratives and haunting love scenes. The final trio towards the end of Act 3 is held by many opera critics to be among the most exquisite vocal ensembles in opera.
The Main Characters in Der Rosenkavalier ('The Cavalier of the Rose')
- Princess von Werdenberg the Marschallin, lover to young Octavian (soprano)
- Octavian, chosen rose-bearer (mezzo-soprano)
- Baron Ochs of Lerchenau, betrothed to Sophia for her dowry (bass)
- Sophie, falls in love with Octavian (high soprano)
- Herr von Faninal, Rich father to Sophia (high baritone)
- Princess's attorney (bass)
- Valzacchi (tenor)
- Annina (contralto)
- Commissary of police
Plot Summary (Synopsis) of Der Rosenkavalier (The Cavalier of the Rose)
There is an introduction before Act 1 and 3, and a pantomime before 3.
Act 1
The princess and Octavian, her lover, have breakfast together. They hear a noise and Octavian hides in the curtains. It is the Baron Ochs who surprises them. Octavian immediately disguises as a maid, and the baron is attracted to "her." The baron discusses with the princess that he needs someone to present the traditional silver rose to his fiancée, 15-year-old Sophia. He asks the princess who he can ask to convey it. The princess proposes Octavian to be his Rosenkavalier – who is the twin of the "maid," she claims. Valzacchi and Annina offer to spy for the baron to find out about the princess's "maid."
Once everyone has gone, the princess remembers her own marriage at a young age and contemplates her past youth. She greets Octavian's renewed vows of love with a bitter-sweet skepticism, that he will leave her one day. She sends Octavian to deliver the rose.
Act 2
Herr von Faninal and Sophia receive Octavian who delivers the rose. The two young people fall in love. Baron Ochs enters. When he talks with his lawyer, Octavian promises to help Sophia escape the baron's clutches. Valzacchi and Annina catch the pair. The baron tries to drag Sophia into the next room, but Octavian challenges him to a fight. Octavian wounds the baron. Faninal insists Sophia will marry the baron. Meanwhile, the baron recovers and receives a letter supposedly from the princess's "maid" who wants to see him.
Act 3
In an inn, Octavian bribes Valzacchi and Annina to help him. They lay a trap for the baron and Octavian again disguises as the maid. The baron tries to seduce the maid, but finds her resemblances to Octavian. Annina interrupts, claiming to be the baron's wife. A scene erupts and the police are called. To escape the charge of leading a young girl astray, the baron claims Octavian is Sophia.
Faninal arrives, furious at being drawn into a scandal. The princess also arrives. Octavian's secret is revealed and Sophia tells the baron to stay away from her. Painfully, the princess gives up Octavian to Sophia.
Operas by Richard Strauss:
Source:
Opera by Alan Riding and L.D. Downer, DK (2006)
