"The Rosenkavalier - Richard Strauss"

"The Rosenkavalier" by Richard Strauss as a feast for the senses:

With an ideal ensemble and entirely in the spirit of Strauss, one experiences his sparkling comedy about time, love, and transience with a fine sense for the moment and a large portion of humor.

Sprightly Viennese charm, deeply felt melancholy, opulent music, and a touch of nostalgia make this opera an unforgettable experience.

A masterful blend of comedy and emotion resonates in its original chamber music version in the atmospheric crypt of St. Peter's Church.

Established as the smallest opera theater in Austria, the performances in the CRYPTA impress with their directness, high quality, and unusual venue. Located deep beneath St. Peter's Church in Vienna, the intimate hall offers a personal experience that lingers long after.

The CRYPTA is pleasantly temperate in every season.

Plot:

"The Rosenkavalier" by Richard Strauss (libretto by Hugo von Hofmannsthal) is a comedy with serious undertones set in 18th-century Vienna.

Act One

The opera begins in the bedroom of Princess Werdenberg, the so-called Marschallin, who is having a passionate affair with the young Count Octavian. The morning after a night together, they are surprised by the sudden visit of Baron Ochs auf Lerchenau, a boorish relative of the Marschallin. To avoid being discovered, Octavian hastily disguises himself as a maid named "Mariandel." Baron Ochs, who is looking for a wealthy bride, announces that he intends to marry Sophie, the daughter of the newly rich Mr. Faninal. Since it is customary for a young nobleman to bring the silver rose to the bride as a Rosenkavalier, the Marschallin suggests Octavian for this task. After the visit, the Marschallin is left alone and reflects thoughtfully on the transience of time and her youth – and also on the inevitable separation from Octavian.

Act Two

At the Faninal household, a grand reception is being prepared, as Octavian appears ceremoniously as the Rosenkavalier to present Sophie with the silver rose. In a tender, intimate moment, the two immediately fall in love with each other. When Sophie encounters Baron Ochs shortly thereafter, she is horrified by his rudeness and self-satisfaction. Determined, she declares that she does not want to marry him. A quarrel breaks out between Octavian and Ochs, escalating when Octavian threatens the Baron with his sword. To save Sophie from this forced marriage, Octavian devises a plan: he intends to entrap Ochs in a compromising situation to thwart his marriage plans. Octavian will again serve as bait in his role as "Mariandel."

Act Three

The third act takes place in a tavern, where Octavian, disguised as Mariandel, has arranged a secret meeting with Baron Ochs. The intricate plot unfolds: Ochs is haunted by strange figures – supposed husbands, children, and policemen – who accuse him of debauchery. In the escalating chaos, Ochs loses control and composure. Finally, the Marschallin appears, immediately recognizes the game, and helps to clarify the situation. With dignity and inner strength, she withdraws, allowing Octavian to live his new love. In the end, the young couple, Octavian and Sophie, remain happily united, while the Marschallin resigns herself to the passage of time – in quiet melancholy, but with serenity.