Der Rosenkavalier

Venus, goddess of love, presides over this 2014 Glyndebourne Festival production of Richard Strauss's lush 1911 opera about the vagaries of romance—here, the Marschallin (Kate Royal) first appears in a pose mimicking Bottecelli's painting of Venus's birth. The London Philharmonic plays clearly under the baton of Robin Ticciati, but the result is more analytical than impassioned, and while Royal sings accurately, her voice lacks a certain richness. Tara Erraught, on the other hand, supplies wonderful vocalism in the trousers role of Octavian, the young lover whom the Marschallin will eventually pair with pretty young Sophie (Teodora Gheorghiu), but she is physically not quite right for the character (nor do their voices blend terribly well in the famous last act trio). But Lars Woldt is perfect as the blundering Baron Ochs, whose wooing of Sophie is foiled. Richard Jones's staging, which visually emphasizes the passage of time from the 18th century to the mid-20th—featuring bizarrely papered walls and furniture of exaggerated size—is intriguing but ultimately feels contrived. In sum, this is an imperfect presentation of an interesting directorial concept that may be worth investigating, but cannot be considered a first choice (a better pick would be the 2014 Salzburg mounting [VL-5/15]). Presented in DTS-5.1 (DTS-HD 5.1 on the Blu-ray release) and LPCM stereo, extras include behind-the-scenes featurettes, an interview with Ticciati, and a cast gallery. A strong optional purchase. (F. Swietek)