Trio from Der Rosenkavalier

[angoranimi07]

First time i'm happy to hear three women simultaneously (i'm joking). This piece of music is really nice...

[equitater]

Stunning....absolutely stunningly beautiful!

[SempreLiberal]

By far the best rendition of this trio I've seen on YouTube.

[Ginii1]

Okay, now I can die.

[callasfan100]

My name is Ruth. I really like this and would like a CD of it.

[MrQuebec]

Magnifique!!!

[bronxboy47]

A spiraling flight into the stratosphere!

[eileandonan1]

por este momento ( y por mil otros) merece la pena hacerse fan de la ópera.

[MrGunterguerrero]

That's marvelous...maybe isn't enough to define this !

[UltiGourmetBebe]

mesmerizing...I actually sang the part of the Marschallin of this piece this past March in an opera scenes class/recital... one of the most exhausting things I have ever had to sing!

[mellotron12]

In Gottes Namen!!

[mkurnat]

Gawsh, I reckon we done found the breedin' ground for hotshots, Paw!

I would normally be pretty irritated by the amount of condescending rubbish that's plastered all over this page. However, I'm sure that most of you who are runnng your mouths would probably would get destroyed going head-to-head with any of these women, so I'm just gonna chuckle a bit and move on with my life.

[chucknyc123]

I can't watch this. The three of them have zero taste. The music is gorgeous as always, but do any of them have full-length mirrors. I think Susan Graham may be the ultimate Octavian, putting even Troyanos to shame. We'll see when the Met broadcasts it in January.

[kbrisin]

@chucknyc123 Saw the Met broadcast yesterday and the trio was a disaster. Graham is certainly better than von Otter but the staging was awful and DeWart is not in the class of Levine. You are wrong about vonOtter, she is one of the classiest Mezzo's singing plus she is beautiful. Levine would never had allowed the sham of yeaterday.

[dgeeable]

@kbrisin I can't believe the comment about the staging and the conducting. I saw it yesterday and amoing the strengths were the conducting of de Waart (note spelling) and the staging. It is very easy to be hypercriticial, I fear, and let this get in the way of enjoyment.

[elizabethvonslussen]

@kbrisin No one can surpass von Otter playing and singing Octavian. She is tall, blonde, aristocratic looking, as she really is an aristocrat by birth - all traits in the mind of Richard Strauss when he wrote the opera. Strauss, so I have read somewhere, was thinking of Prince Esterhazy as his role model for Octavian. I like S Graham and von Stade but not comparable to von Otter.

[Nightfighter74]

Mrs. Fleming ist the ideal cast for the "Feldmarschallin" and Jimmy Levine looks more and more like a toad ...

[MassachusettsMollusk]

Renee Fleming is, as always, stunning. I just love this. At risk of sounding shallow, I find the various outfits distracting. If only women had a 'default' ensemble to wear as men do.

[PianistandFencer]

The cold chills start for me right after 4:00...god this is gorgeous

[cdyexhibit]

Watching and hearing this, I'm most surprised by how lovely Heidi Grant Murphy sounds: what the hell has happened to her voice since then?! Her singing in the Met's past two runs of "Orfeo ed Euridice" has been nothing less than embarrassingly abysmal. She seems to have utterly lost the ability to sustain a line.

[evangelineireland]

I could listen to this every day and not get bored...

simply stunning!

[evangelineireland]

...and Renee's pianissimo is delightful

[lalagonegaga]

Heidi Grant Murphy is absolutely magical!

[kbrisin]

@lalagonegaga Look for the trio with Battle, VonStade, and a young Fleming, if you want to hear magical singing in the lyric soprano role.

[miu5423]

Gosh how I love those three...very very hard to top.

..but that was a serious bad-hair-day for all of them *chuckle*

[bianco1972]

Breathtakingly beautiful! At 3:17 I thought my heart was stopping.

[muslit]

I like this tempo - I hate the way Kleiber rushes through it.

[TedMichaelMorgan]

If we live long enough, each of us voices this feeling. One of the great moments in opera from one of the greatest composers. Be thankful, my friends, be thankful as we let go.

[bassobryce]

This is, by far, one of the most beautiful pieces ever. Nothing wrong with the tempo!

Renee is fabulous......I'm wondering why she's trying to be a coloratura!! She sounds amazing on this.....why not sing it more??

[operafan85]

This gala was in 1996.

[stevenleejobe]

The tempo is perfect. Think of it as a hymn and every note must savored. It's the Marschallin's farewell after all.

[rypolitico]

ugh. this is like funeral durge tempo. why does he always do this?

[serRudyll]

What was Van Otter thinking when she bought that suity-thing? ^^

Splendid performance of course.

[stubbweeb]

Octavian is a "trouser role" in which she plays a man! It is perfectly appropriate, you dolt!

[serRudyll]

Except for the fact that this isn't an opera but a recital... And I was referinng to the ugliness of it rather than to the manliness. Thx for the insult though. I appreciate maturity!

[nickysw2]

They have obviously considered the operatic context, even though this is a recital. Octavian stands, torn, between his two lovers. Add to that the choice of a suit and I think stubbweeb is right.

[elizabethvonslussen]

Indeed the clothes of von Otter have been the subject of interests among many. I read that she was expelled from the Diva Club because she has worn a dress twice. In fact, not only twice because i have attended some of her concerts and noticed the same gown she had worn before. But I don't think it is a big deal for her. Whatever clothes she bears, von Otter is beautiful,dignified and sings wonderfully. You should see her cycling in Stockholm in her jeans wearing a helmet.

[serRudyll]

I should never, ever have posted that comment in the first place. I think von Otter is a wonderful singer, and of course I don't know her as a person but I think she's charming and witty. I post a lot of comments on Youtube and this one was shallow and perhaps a bit distasteful :)

[elizabethvonslussen]

Thanks for your latest post. We who make comments should also bear some responsibility for the things we say about artists. Anne Sofie von Otter, I think, is one of the greatest opera singers of our times, with her incredible versatility no other singer could do. If she is singing Haendel, so Haendel it is, and so with her interpretation of the ABBAs. Despite her highly acclaimed status she is modest and keeps a low profile....and...and NO MANUFACTURING

tricks, i.e., trimmed figure, looks...

[OperaLover84]

Does anyone know what year this Levine gala was?

[stubbweeb]

1997

[caparazon]

Best Rosenkavalier's final trio on youtube

[g4thz]

This has no place here.

[coryisawake]

STFU

[Italia1987]

politics and music don't mix!!!

[Roe27Ger]

I think Fleming not only sounds stunning, but looks stunning as well. I really love this asymmetrical dress!

[rmegna]

The comments about the divas' attire are incredibly lame and tasteless! Such inane observations, apart from being a worthless waste of time,can in no way ever detract from the fact that the performances seen here are so refined and exquisite that the listener is completely transported far beyond the physical plane and begins to sense a level of pure and sublime beauty he never knew existed!

[orfeo2003]

You are absolutly righ! So nice to see that there are still some people who actually focuss on the pleassure music gives and not on such unimportant things.

[rmegna]

Thank you!

I now maintain, as always, that the music itself is the true heart and soul of opera!

[cybilsharp]

Sublime.

I find the comments about their clothing irrelevant and tasteless.. Anyway the Marschalin is probably meant to look rather overblown.... And Anne Sophie von Otter has such a ravishing and versatile voice that what she looks like is immaterial - AND she looks wonderful

[fatbaldcunt]

sorry for the double post, my first took a long time to arrive on the board so i thought I'd done something wrong.  By the way, there's a rather interesting book on this subject called, "The Queens's Throat." written by an opera quean, not surprisingly, which looks at the way divas choose to present themselves

[elizabethvonslussen]

Cecilia Bartoli's gowns are flowing and meticulously prepared but she does not appear ostentatious. She looks elegant and none of that DIVA-flushiness. Why is it that when an American attempts at ELEGANCE, she starts looking like a Christmas Tree?

[fatbaldcunt]

elizabeth with the stupid handle is quite right to comment on her wardrobe. We are living in 2008: the 21st fucking century. Why on earth do female singers have to dress like middle aged frumps at a masonic dinner. As soon as their career takes off, the female diva reaches for the hair spray, the naff jewellery and starts dressing like a tacky drag queen. GOd knows they've got enough money to look wonderful, but someone please tell me why the want to look like their grandmothers or Sutherland

[fatbaldcunt]

RE: ARGUMENT ABOUT DIVA'S GOWNS

Elizabeth von what have you might have a ridiculous handle but she's on the ball. We live in an age where presentation matters. We are living in 2008 and who wants to see singers dressed as drag queens from the 1950s. If you've got the fucking money and the intelligence, there's no reason to look like Psycho's mother. Why should someone as beautiful as Ms FLeming wish to look like Sutherland when she could look like Diana, Princess of Wales?

[elizabethvonslussen]

Ms / Mr fatbaldcunt, your name spells out the person hiding behind that ugliness not to mention your foul mouth. You miserably miss my point. No amount of money could buy anything to enhance the beauty of Fleming, indeed, I find her beautiful. Speaking of presentation, of what? PERSONALITY? Her ostentatiousness rubs one thing uniquely special that belongs only to someone with good taste - ELEGANCE. You know what I mean? Simplicity is the magic potion. Princess Di was elegant, Fleming is not.

[JensMedom]

a grown man sits listening and looking to this masterpice and cries silly......

thank you for posting :-)

[nicksum29]

This trio takes singers with brains. I have heard this piece massacred terribly by bellowers over the years. This was a very fine performance. Thank you.

[maxnll]

Close your eyes, listen to this sublime interpretation of Strauss' music and get over yourselves,for goodness'sake.Who cares what Dame Hilda-fat-ass is wearing, or isn't? Peasants!

[orfeo2003]

For Christ's sake. These are three of the most talented women in the world. Who cares what they were you fashion freaks!!! Show some respect!

[selatik1]

I went to high-school with Heidi and was in Choir with her!

[ltyr2001]

Dated casting of women as men. It looks ridiculous. I hate that in old operas; are we supposed to just close our eyes?

Also, the singing is drowned out by the orchestra in this recording.

[scazzasofija]

It's about the voice part not the sex of the person. If you were to cast a man it would have to be a counter-tenor to sing the same notes. Teenage boys have a mezzo-soprano sound, and unfortunately its women who have those voices, the voices that represent a young man. If you listen to the sound, the singing instead of judging by appearance, you will hear it. It's about the music. Also, yes, opera has always been a profession where appearance matters less than the truth of the music.

[toleodor]

Impeccably put

[148jules]

This is actually from a concert and not a staged production of Der Rosenkavalier. So not sure if your comment is in regard to von Otter's poor choice of clothing or simply the fact you don't like women singing men's parts?! Remember this was written almost 100 years ago and it was Strauss' homage to the operas of yesteryear possibly Mozart's Marriage of Figaro. But what do I know ... I just love the music!

[elizabethvonslussen]

I am a great fan of von Otter but I agree with you on her poor choice of clothing here. Her beautiful dark voice aside, she wears the same clothes several times. She wore this outfit at her opening Mozart aria at the Nobel Gala Concert 2001, my husband and I sat close to the stage and remember it, and again at another concert.Her big portrait hangs inside my office, wearing a plunging neckline flowing gown, she looks absolutely beautiful and statuesque. Wish she could dress up more Bartoli-like

[suede008]

The singing is of course excellent. I still prefer this with Battle, von Stade and Söderström, available on YouTube. Stade is far better than von Otter and Söderström simply outstanding taking into regard she was sixtyfive years old when singing this piece.

[Roe27Ger]

... while Marschallin von Werdenberg is absolutely NOT older than 30...

[390204]

She is supposed to be 32

[Johnny1206]

Fleming´s dress is a true vintage Star War´s costume, lol...She sings beautifully, though. Von Otter in this specific performance is not convincing.

[geographicalyscrewed]

who gives a good flying flip what they are wearing....you negative people give me the stomach ache....shut up and listen or better yet go somewhere else with your critical selves....bravo ladies!!!!!!!!!

[SiouxPianist]

I'll never forget Heidi's farewell concert in Washington before she went to NY.

[gmavrd]

forget the clothes, get past it..... the singing is OUTSTANDING.... hey, listen to Strauss, that's what it is all about

[sirmercutio99]

I agree it's wonderful singing. Anne, Renee and Heidi are lovely together. This isn't a staged version but more a recital.

[Matt75003]

They say hell is paved with good intentions... Well, then this is what the soundtrack must be like... And whose idea was it to turn the Marschallin into a Morticia Adams lookalike?

[Rudziewicz]

HAHA. Brilliant, Matt.

[trekkie2006]

We all should know by now that Renee's choice of dresses are quite... questionable. It actually looks a lot like the dress she wore in a production of Don Giovanni... I actually like the color or it, but why does she have her shawl all look like a sheild of some kind?? Get rid of it!

[elizabethvonslussen]

We seem to get the same feelibg. Fleming always comes out with shawls and layers of covers as if she wants to hide and disappear inside in case she struck a wrong note. I had a fervent wish that she would wear more simple, elegant gowns when she was guest singer at the Nobel Gala Concert 2006 in Stockholm - and she did! But again, she went back to one of these gowns as you see here. If only Anne Sofie von Otter had a fraction of Fleming's ostentatiousness, she would be impecably beautiful.

[trekkie2006]

yeah, Renee has much better taste in clothing now :) But, in my opinion, Renee is absolutely stunning!! Even more now, but still, she has always been beautiful :P

[elizabethvonslussen]

Commenting on Fleming's clothes,I was accused of bad-mouthing her. Anyway she has improved her wardrobe by the like of Lagerfeld and other famous fashion designers. But again, wouldn't she endanger herself to be the poor product of American manufacturing? Celebrities are manufactured in America. I attended her latest concert in Stockholm where she wore a magnificent gown, baring her backbone amidst her soaring creamy voice. But still I get annoyed by her Diva-posturing.

[redsox2213]

wonderful....but what the hell is the Flem wearing?

[puccinilover]

I believe its something hideous hahaha

[nycmetbound]

well that was amazing

[D9l3tt]

Heidi Grant Murphy sounds incredible!

[Bigman240]

Such a beautiful woman, such a beautiful voice...Can't someone teach her how to dress?

[monster0129]

LOOOL! I agree on the voice. Aren't the stage costumes designed?

[dramaticsopranodiva]

Me like : )

[quetzalfrance]

Assez désastreux comme trio , pourtant Flemming peut être une belle Maréchale sur scène et Otter un grand Chevalier .

Ici , c'est raté . Dommage ( mauvaise tenue de la ligne de champ , timbres médiocres et fioritures abusives )Bref , elles hurlent !

[Laeliapurpurata]

Renee's dress... she looks like a black forest cake.

[zachismusic]

btw her dress and her dont go with her beautiful voice,they look hanus

[edgabo2]

Extraordinary! they sound amazing. Fleming's creamy voice is a gorgeous standout here!

[gransasso101]

Renee Fleming rocks my world.

[Lohengrin33]

if only that ... lisp! wasnt there... cant she have it surgically removed?

[lamezzoenfrancais]

I really need to listen to more Strauss.

Note to self: Do that.

This is absolutely AMAZING!!!!!!!

[europelove]

doesnt get any better than this!!!

[urgrad03]

I must admit I don't know what the hype was surround Grant-Murphy... she just does nothing for me.

[elinorberg]

I totally agree. She is just cute.

[gmr2broadway]

i recognize that set! the columns were in this season's Andrea Chenier:)

this is a gorgeous version! I'v fallen in love with Anne Sofie von Otter!

[majorcana]

Actually, I think it's the hall of song from Tannhauser.

[manima15]

Anne Sofie I love her...this was wonderul

[SexiTeddy]

Heidi Grant Murphy came and sang for us, it was just breath taking

[SissiPearl]

Another sublime rendition!

[AllThat77]

why is she wearing a pants suit? i don't understand.

[minimarie86]

Perhaps because Octavian is supposed to be a man...

[urgrad03]

ROFL

[elizabethvonslussen]

Look at Frederica von stade in her Trio with Battle and Soderstrom, she wore a long gown when she was supposed to be the Rosencavalier - compared to von Otter, SCANDALOUS.

[operamelodyman]

Oh, I just love Renee Fleming!!

[JessiRoseSmbw]

Me too!!!! I just ADORE her!