Der Rosenkavalier

Libretto by Hugo von Hofmannsthal (G,Cz,E,F,I,R)

Major roles: dramS,lyrcolS,dramM,charB,B; minor roles: S,A,T;
small roles: 2S,M,A,8T,Bar,6B,mimes; small chorus
3(III=picc).3(III=corA).3(I=Ccl,II=Ccl,III=Dcl,Ebcl).bcl(=bhn).
3(III=dbn)-4.3.3.1-timp.perc(3):tgl/t.bells/cast/cyms/tamb/t.mil/SD/
BD/glsp/bells/sleigh bells/ratchet-cel-pft-2harp-
strings(16.16.12.10.8 reduced where necessary)Off-stage orchestra: 2.
1.1.Ebcl.2-2.1.0.0-perc:SD-pft-harm- strings(1.1.1.1.1 doubl
ed if necessary)

Vienna in the reign of Empress Maria Theresa

After a night of passion the Marschallin prepares to say farewell to her young lover Octavian. Noises are heard outside the bedroom: it is not her husband but her cousin Baron Ochs. Octavian, disguised as a chambermaid Mariandel, escapes but not before catching the Baron's eye. Ochs plans to marry the daughter of Faninal, a recently ennobled financeer. He asks the Marschallin to recommend a young nobleman to present the traditional silver rose of betrothal and she suggests Octavian. The Marschallin opens her room to petitioners, tradesfolk and Ochs's unsavoury retinue. Left alone, she remembers her own loveless betrothement. Octavian returns and she explains that in time he will leave her for a younger lover. Wounded, he rushes away. Sophie is presented with the rose by Octavian and they are immediately attracted to each other. Faninal presents Ochs and she is horrified by his boorish behaviour. She begs Octavian to save her but their intimacy is observed by two Italian intriguers in the Baron's employ. Ochs fights a duel with Octavian and is slightly wounded. Octavian is dismissed and enlists the intriguers to deliver an invitation to Ochs for an assignation with Mariandel. Ochs attempts to seduce Mariandel at an inn but they are interrupted by strange apparitions and someone claiming to be his wife. The police are summoned to quell the uproar, witnessed by Faninal and Sophie. The Marschallin arrives and calms the scandalous mood, telling Ochs his suit is over. When Ochs learns that Octavian and Mariandel are the same and that the Marschallin herself is implicated in the deception he leaves, chased by creditors. The Marschallin, recognising that Octavian and Sophie are already in love, reconciles Faninal to bless the match.

Comic, Romantic