5 replies to this topic

[Tassie Devil]

COMPOSER: Richard StraussII

Disc Title: Der Rosenkavalier Disc catalog: Euroarts 20-56914  Recording Date:  2007 Recorded on tour in Japan  Program Length: 212 mins - no bonuses

Video rating : 5/5 Audio type: PCM 5.1 & PCM Stereo (no mention of bit rating) Audio rating: 4.5/5

Overall rating: 4/5

Summary comment: A very very good production without being great

Author: Tassie Devil Date: July 31 2009

Detailed Comment: This opera differs from earlier compositions by Verdi. Puccini etc in that, like Wagnerian works, the music flows without being truncated by spectacular arias.  The success of the musical flow depends very much on the artistry and that is very very good in this production without reaching the heights of some others. Anne Schwanewilms performed nicely in the very long first act but was not as convincing to me as others in that role.  However Kurt Rydl gave an outstanding performance acting and singing the Baron, injecting great humour into this Strauss work.  The other female roles were more successfully filled by Anke Vondung and Maki Mori with some beautiful duets and trios.  The orchestra came through strongly, a little too much so relative to the singers making their efforts less impressive.  In common with most of the Dresden Staatsopernchor productions the settings have been modernised and this does not seriously detract from the atmosphere although I did miss the more sumptuous costumes usually associated with this work.  Having a woman play the role of a man is always challenging to the imagination but this is overcome, to some extent, in this opera when such beautiful music results. However it is not a work that is likely to be appreciated by those first dipping their toes into opera.  The waltz is well known but otherwise the music would be unfamiliar and it is only past the long first act that the action and music become more appealing.  In summary, a very enjoyable production I would not class this among the greats so recommended with caution.

[Tassie Devil]

Since posting the above review I've looked at the complete Solti/Te Kanawa video and sampled the DVD featuring Nina Stemme (highly recommended in the Penguin Guide).

I love the sumptuous costumes in the Te Kanawa version (and similar ones in the older laserdisc version featuring Felicity Lott , Sophie von Otter & Barbara Bonney) but much as I'm a fan of Kiri I must hand the title of the best Marschallin to Nina Stemme.  But none of the other versions equal the brilliant comic singing and acting of Kurt Rydl in the role of the Baron in the Blu Ray version.  I note others were enchanted by the singing of Anne Schwanewilms but, for some reason it has not impressed me as much as the others.

But overall I would class this Blu Ray as the best version.  I found the video quality of the NTSC Stemme version obviously inferior with the subtitles grossly overstated and distracting.  At least they can be turned off once you are familiar with the opera but the compressed DTS surround sound comes nowhere near the Blu Ray in audio quality.  I feel the soprano voice really challenges an audio system and ended up choosing 2CH to make the DVD version listenable.  As for the old laserdisc set, I'm afraid that is just about unwatchable and unlistenable in comparion.  About the only way to tolerate LD is to start off with it in the hope the eyes and eyes will adjust enough to enjoy the artistry.

So, on reflection maybe the rating of 4/5 overall was a little harsh.  See what you think.

John

[pietro]

I mentioned earlier that I thought this one of the best opera productions I've seen. The BD is quite sensational IMHO. I thought Anne Schwanewilms was marvellous, even if she does remind me of Jackie M in Bold and Beautiful. My only real reservation was the Sophie who I thought was very tentative, though she improved as the night went on. Years ago I saw Lucia Popp in that role and thought she would never be bettered. And as you say Kurt Rydl is quite brilliant. It's really one to watch over and over.

[Tassie Devil]

pietro, on Aug 5 2009, 09:22 AM, said:

I mentioned earlier that I thought this one of the best opera productions I've seen. The BD is quite sensational IMHO. I thought Anne Schwanewilms was marvellous, even if she does remind me of Jackie M in Bold and Beautiful. My only real reservation was the Sophie who I thought was very tentative, though she improved as the night went on. Years ago I saw Lucia Popp in that role and thought she would never be bettered. And as you say Kurt Rydl is quite brilliant. It's really one to watch over and over.

OK, I'll leave it a bit and then revisit to reappraise Anne Schwanewilms.  

I have, on tape, the 1960 film version featuring the famous Elisabeth Schwarzkopf & Karajan - ye gods he looked young!!!  It lacks subtitles and the tape is pretty old technology but I'll tackle it on a smaller screen sometime soon.

John

[pietro]

Tassie I have been meaning to ask you.......I also have the 70" SXRD......how would you compare the BD opera/ballet experience of the Sony with the projector? I find it hard to imagine anything could be better than the SXRD.

[Tassie Devil]

pietro, on Aug 6 2009, 08:10 AM, said:

Tassie I have been meaning to ask you.......I also have the 70" SXRD......how would you compare the BD opera/ballet experience of the Sony with the projector? I find it hard to imagine anything could be better than the SXRD.

Pietro, the Panny BD player is in the main system at the moment and has not been tried on the 70".  However an OPPO is due here any day now so it will go across & I'll be able to answer your question.  However, with the main audio system just so far ahead of the second one I just am never tempted to look at operas etc there.  It is fine for time shifted TV and the PQ is generally, as you say, excellent on the 70".  Not sure it is quite as good as in the main system buit we are comparing processing ex a Denon receiver to that of an iScan DVDO VP50 PRO which is unfair.

John