Not really knowing this opera at the time, I was lucky to see Der Rosenkavalier in the late 1980s at the Met in New York (third row center orchestra), with Kathleen Battle as Sophie and Ms. von Stade as Octavio (their interpretations here) and Kiri Te Kanawa as the Marchelin. I had an out-of-body experience when they performed the finale trio-I felt myself floating 10 feet above my seat. I decided then and there that this is the music I want to be hearing when I die.
That was the exact performance that introduced me to the opera AND that same performance at the finale. And, although I was only watching it as it was broadcast to my TV, I had the same out-of-body experience. I've never experienced music as sublime before, and may never again. I can only imagine how much more transcendent the experience must have been in person!
@@debraleighscott I'm very happy that you were able to experience this, in any format. It certainly changed my life. I hope that this has opened up a new passion for you as music is an integral part of human existence. For another opera "thrill", can I suggest the two arias at the end of the first act of "La Bohème" (Puccini): "Che gelida manina" and "Sì. Mi chiamano Mimì" ua-cam.com/video/LTDav7hG7Qk/v-deo.html
I made the mistake of having this playing whilst driving once. Had to pull over as it made me cry so much! It is just insanely beautiful. I don't know the rest of the opera though and really need to dedicate some time to it
Conductor, orchestra, singers, and Strauss at the helm, all weave their magic, stirring hearts and souls. The music evokes an indescribable feeling, sending shivers down the spine. Time and again, this profound experience washes over us.
I am a staunch Verdi guy...also like Puccini, Donizetti,Mozart and Bellini. but come on....this is the most gorgeous moment in all of opera - and it's sung and played by other worldly artists. I'm humbled.
And you know what - Strauss is full of the most wonderful moments. Have you tried "Frau ohne Schatten"? The whole opera is so moving and gives you an emotional potpourri like no other opera before and after. And you´d be surprised about Wagner as well. Give him a try ;-)
@@Altonahh10 nothing to try...I've been an opera (QUEEN) for almost 50 years. been to the be Beyreuth festival, seen Aida in verona and Aida in Luxor. I like Strauss' instrumental music better as a whole.Wagner was a genius - but I don't have the time and patience for his entire operas. I do have opera friends that do LOVE Frau. Rigoletto, Traviata, Aida, Trovatore, Don carlo....gimme gimme.
Kathleen Battle is one of the greatest star: fantasic atmosphere and heaven's Mozart music.When I listen to this, the world becomes a little bit better.
Melodies, harmonies, orchestration - Strauss was a master at it all. This Trio, and his Four Last Songs, are among my favorite transcendent vocal pieces.
Add the Presentation of the Rose, the final scene from Capriccio, the Recognition Scene from Elektra and the great tenor aria in the second act of Frau Ohne Schatten.
You have a very valid point here. This final trio is gorgeous music writing indeed! The Last Four Songs are absolutely incredible, such truly beautiful music written for the soprano voice ( demands a darn fine soprano to render it justice ) .
@@stephenschmall9029 I grew up listening to the Four Last Songs by Elizabeth Schwarzkopf, which, for me, became something of a standard in my young mind. I prefer a 'colder' rather than a 'warmer' tone in these songs. Though I've enjoyed many other soprano renditions.
I come back again and again to this video. It’s a musical performance of rare perfection. Everyone involved is living the music from head to toe, and WHAT music it is too. I sob with pleasure every time.
Alle Beteiligten, Dirigent, Orchester, Sänger und Strauss allen voran, berühren mit ihrer Darbietung unmittelbar Herz und Seele. Neben einem unbeschreiblichen Gefühl stellt sich auch eine körperliche Reaktion ein: Gänsehaut. Immer wieder
I had the most massive girl-crush on Frederica von S in the 80s... And hearing and seeing her again, I can quite see why! The voice...The musicality.. The intelligence.. The looks... Sublime!!
First I see you on a Gene Nelson video and then here. Your tastes are as eclectic as my own...and that's a good thing as far as I'm concerned. I've always loved von Stade's voice too.
My eyes filling of tears every time I listen this masterpiece, maestro Strauss knew how to take us from comedy, drama and touching moments. Nobody like him to make it possible. Also, if you listen the dialogues, it's very heartbreaking that fact the princess must give up and let the real love triumphs. A wisdom decision yet painful, that could be a mess and extremely dramatic scene, but Maestro Strauss made it sophisticated, touching, and beautiful, one of my very favorite scenes of all opera.
Stunning. Just stunning. Three of my favorite singers, and when they come together, MAGIC happens. Strauss was an absolute genius. I have tears in my eyes.
YES, if only her ego hadn’t gotten in the way of her voice then she could have recorded DER ROSENKAVALIER and ARABELLA on the complete recordings with Te Kanawa. What a waste of talent and no one could straighten the b**ch out. No wonder the San Francisco Opera staff wore tee shirts stating “WON THE BATTLE!”
whether you like or appreciate Opera or not is not important... how can you listen to this and not be moved??? that orchestra, those angelical voices... some people are blessed and then they share their gift with the word. All I can say to these ladies is God Bless you and THANK YOU!
I have no idea to this day what those (three german) ladies were singing about. Truth is, I don't want to know. Some things are best left unsaid. I'd like to think they were singing about something so beautiful, it can't be expressed in words, and makes your heart ache because of it.
@@emitch9213 Jean Jean is adapting Morgan Freeman's character, Red's words from the Shawshank Redemption, where two "Italian" ladies are singing the Letter Duet from Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro
Not just the final trio - the whole damn final scene to the end! And Abbado conducting YES! And there's me weeping in front of the monitor again... this is why opera is the greatest performance art form. I'd never quite appreciated von Stade that much before now, but now I get it. I must say that this is one opera where you kind of sit through its many wonderful moments and its bumptious heavy-handed comedy to get to this Trio and finale - like time off for good behavior. It makes me think of those concert performances of the Prelude to Tristan - then straight to the Liebestod, ditching the five hours of the actual opera that happen in between. I find the concept amusing: just the juicy bits, please! LOL On a fashion footnote, check out the train on Kathleen Battle's dress. Now that's Diva!
@@johnpickford4222Never was a soprano more appropriately named, than Kathleen Battle!! That's not diva behavior, that's Me, Me and only ME, behavior!🤦
I wept a lot too when it comes to Frederica von Stada, performing Der Rosenkavalier with Kathleen Battle and Renee Fleming....Frederica's voice became dramatic but beautiful.
How wonderful a thing is youtube that we get to experience this for free! I cry every time, it's so moving. Strauss gets so much sound out of the orchestra, and uses it to such full emotional effect that you go from deep torment and pain to celestial delight and pure love in a few minutes. When the brass kicks in playing a motif, I just lose it. I think it's Octavian's motive, but just with so many instruments going and full brass, the German in me just melts. Battle is perfect for this role, young girl out of a convent, shy and overawed with the godly power of love, Frederika sings well, and Renee looks so pretty.
I'm crying. And deep thanks to Opera Buff for allowing me to share the applause. Sublimity realized. Comparisons at this level absolutely meaningless. These are world-class musicians - all of them.
No words needed. This is what heaven must feel and sound like. I mean, I have tears in my eyes and strolling down my face. Strauss was a genius and these three ladies definitely do their best to honor him appropriatley. Battle's Sophie is angelic, van Stade sings hear heart out with this role and piece and Fleming's voice is like golden stardust. Love. Love. Love.
I weep uncontrollably every time I hear the Final Trio from Der Rosenkavalier. One of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written. This was performed at the funeral of Richard Strauss and the singers kept breaking down emotionally and could barely get through the performance.
Actually, the rest is like this finish. I am moved from the first scene till the last. But this is maybe so, because I know this opera so well and I can not distinguish anymore the complete opera from just one song. Another especially moving song is the Marshallin singing about time. The opera was actually the first opera I saw in Vienna at the age of 15 years. I got free ticket for a standing place from the music school. My father told me about the plot and he meant that the opera is not really "the right thing" for my age. It might have been true, but it has formed my life especially with my behaviour with women. If I would like to express the feeling of listening I would compare it with a special exquisite chocolate which you get only once in your life and would like it to never end.
@@hanshartmann8205 -- Oh my! To see it at age 15....Dreikäsehochregression oder Mundphantom? For me, that emotion is evoked by 'Gesegnet soll sie Schreiten.' Tut mir Leid...Ich meinte 'Schuldaufdeckungsangst, Ebenmäißgkeitsentzückung- Rindfleischetikettierungsüberwachungsaufgabenübertragungsgesetz!" Herzlich, Mexikaner Donaudampfschiffahrtsgesellschaftskapitän !
@@steveegallo3384 I am not sure what you want to say. Although I like Wagner, I can not understand what your quote from Lohengrin should mean in that context.
It took me nearly 50 years to appreciate R Strauss as I do now. In the 90’s I heard Rosenkavalier and Capriccio at the NY Met under Levine’s direction. They were evenings at the opera that live with me to this day. The sound was heavenly. The performances beyond the reach of criticism. The singing and the acting nonpareil. This may sound like nonsense to anyone who has not had such evenings. Thank you for this evening in Berlin. PS - I miss Ms. Battle. Her glory days are to be appreciated and savored. Her fall from grace was as heartbreaking for her admirers as it must have been for her. The fragility of fame and fortune are not to be underestimated.
We have lost our greatest legendary maestro Claudio Abbado, who passed away Monday afternoon January 20, 2014 at the age of 80. May he rest in peace. Amen.
He was indeed one of the very greatest conductors - he got to the emotional truth and heart of everything. And that emotional range included sheer, breathtaking, roller-coaster ride excitement just when you wanted it.
The touching humanity of this trio is shot through with a golden loveliness that makes it, for me, one of the triumphs of human achievement. Young love and the tenderness of mature renunciation united in music so perfectly realized that it might be pillars of crystal light, hanging in the air.
Thanks for your comment, Wolfy Green. Your ability with words is as beautiful the Trio... a piece I have long held to be the most gorgeous, most sensual, piece of music ever written.
I want this played while I am dying (in about 30+ years I hope and depending on the mode of communication that is being used for music at that time), I will take my last breath when she hits that last high note and slowly sink into peace. Nothing can thrill my heart more than this Trio and blend of notes and voices. Thank you Straus for giving us this music and we pass it along for more generations.
Stunning performance, Frederica von Stade one of my all time favourites. Very many years ago the BBC made a film with Ms. Stade in France when she did her recording - the best IMHO - of Songs of the Auvergne. It was a brilliant & wonderful programme and she was so lovely. I also thing Renee Flemming is brilliant. I don't know the other lady but the trio were sublime! Worth looking at is Ms Stade singing Moon Song. Just wonderful.
Frederica Von Stade's voice is warm and I like listening to it on cold nights with warm puddings. Yeah her voice and puddings.. It does not get better than this
This is absolute, eternal beauty. So many memories, feelings wake up listening and watching this, that it is almost impossible without tears... Deeply thankful...
I am so happy that this great performance is available for everyone to see on line. This always makes me weep, especially with these performers. BRAVA! BRAVA! BRAVA! THREE GREAT LADIES. I love you all.
Magnificent! Sublime justice to the finest moments in this opera and a testament perfectly executed to Strauss" glorious appreciation of the female voice. What women , what singers!
Incredibly unearthly and incredibly beautiful. One of the greatest trios from one of the greatest operas ever written. Sung beautifully by three great artists. Brava! Brava! Brava! And Abbado and the Berlin Philharmonic are brilliant. Bravo! Bravi!
Having performed in several productions of this, my favorite opera, at San Francisco Opera, and heard the most glorious voices of my time there (1972-1988), I have to say this is one of the most supernal renditions I've ever heard. Thank you so much for posting. You've done opera lovers everywhere a tremendous, irreplaceable favor.
Kathleen's voice is angelic. And she still looks great. The ladies' harmonizing makes the spine tingle. And the gentleman! I love baritone. He sounds like a deep place in a river getting enriched by unseen mineral-laden rocks beneath.
No finer music in all of opera than this finale. Especially moving when you know the story and what it all means. Renee Fleming is the older Marschallin (princess) who loves the young man (Von Stade) enough to give him up so that he can marry the young woman he loves (K.Battle). So beautiful... Brings tears to my eyes every time I see or hear it. Thank you for posting.
@@notnek202 "in February 1994, during rehearsals for an upcoming production of La fille du régiment at the Met, Battle was said to have subjected her fellow performers to “withering criticism” and made “almost paranoid demands that they not look at her.” In response, General Manager Joseph Volpe publicly dismissed Battle from the production for “unprofessional actions” during rehearsals indicating he’d also “cancelled all offers that had been made for the future.” Volpe devotes an entire chapter to Battle in his 2006 memoir, citing numerous examples of her disruptive antics - nonstop complaints, tardiness at rehearsals and nastiness to fellow performers and stagehands. With hindsight, commentators have suggested that her relatively sudden stardom at the most important opera house in America simply went to her head. Others suspect her behaviour masked enormous insecurity."
Questa musica è veramente un dono dal cielo, un balsamo per le ferite dell'anima, specie per chi deve rinunciare ad una persona tanto amata...Leb' wohl, Daniela...
One of those rare exquisite moments in music when time stands still.
Meredith Foster, you SAID it, sister!
well said
It's out of this world.
Die Zeit ist ein sonderbar Ding, …
I can listen to this time and time again , the most exquisite voices and the most amazing music !
If Strauss had written nothing but this and the Four Last Songs, he would still be classified as one of the greats!
I feel the same way.
I heard and saw a lot, and I agree
Fortunately, he also wrote “Salome,” one of the greatest operas ever.
Not really knowing this opera at the time, I was lucky to see Der Rosenkavalier in the late 1980s at the Met in New York (third row center orchestra), with Kathleen Battle as Sophie and Ms. von Stade as Octavio (their interpretations here) and Kiri Te Kanawa as the Marchelin. I had an out-of-body experience when they performed the finale trio-I felt myself floating 10 feet above my seat. I decided then and there that this is the music I want to be hearing when I die.
That was the exact performance that introduced me to the opera AND that same performance at the finale. And, although I was only watching it as it was broadcast to my TV, I had the same out-of-body experience. I've never experienced music as sublime before, and may never again. I can only imagine how much more transcendent the experience must have been in person!
@@debraleighscott I'm very happy that you were able to experience this, in any format. It certainly changed my life. I hope that this has opened up a new passion for you as music is an integral part of human existence. For another opera "thrill", can I suggest the two arias at the end of the first act of "La Bohème" (Puccini): "Che gelida manina" and "Sì. Mi chiamano Mimì" ua-cam.com/video/LTDav7hG7Qk/v-deo.html
@@debraleighscott Also for more Richard Strauss, his Four Last Songs, sung by Jessye Norman ua-cam.com/video/wKD3IayknEw/v-deo.html
@@larskars5835 madame butterfly would have been my choice, but for same reason as you suggested
@@larskars5835the best version. Shockingly moving. Shockingly beautiful.
One of the most beautiful moments in the entire history of music.
This is beyond words.
I made the mistake of having this playing whilst driving once. Had to pull over as it made me cry so much! It is just insanely beautiful. I don't know the rest of the opera though and really need to dedicate some time to it
No wonder Strauss had this played at his funeral. I'd love it, but a shame I couldn't hear it…..or maybe……
@@vkg8196 It's the best moment in classical music
Absolutely agree with you. I love Handel and Mozart, but I don't think anyone else wrote something as moving and just beautiful as this.
@@1931JCHave it played before you go, so it's the last thing you hear.
Richard Strauss: master of the great farewell.
Excellent summary. This is the end of the European era.
Fleming's first phrases here are chillingly beautiful. This really was her repertoire...
Conductor, orchestra, singers, and Strauss at the helm, all weave their magic, stirring hearts and souls. The music evokes an indescribable feeling, sending shivers down the spine. Time and again, this profound experience washes over us.
Oh yes!
Sublime. L'une des plus belles scènes de toute l'histoire de la musique.
The finest orchestra in the world conducted by one of the greatest conductors ever. It really doesn't get better than this!
I am a staunch Verdi guy...also like Puccini, Donizetti,Mozart and Bellini. but come on....this is the most gorgeous moment in all of opera - and it's sung and played by other worldly artists. I'm humbled.
And you know what - Strauss is full of the most wonderful moments. Have you tried "Frau ohne Schatten"? The whole opera is so moving and gives you an emotional potpourri like no other opera before and after. And you´d be surprised about Wagner as well. Give him a try ;-)
Absolutely the most beautiful moment in all of opera...and the Presentation of the Rose scene is a very close second.
Same here!!! But I really like Strauss’ music. The Viennese know what they’re doing.
@@Altonahh10 nothing to try...I've been an opera (QUEEN) for almost 50 years. been to the be Beyreuth festival, seen Aida in verona and Aida in Luxor. I like Strauss' instrumental music better as a whole.Wagner was a genius - but I don't have the time and patience for his entire operas. I do have opera friends that do LOVE Frau. Rigoletto, Traviata, Aida, Trovatore, Don carlo....gimme gimme.
@@marcuswilliams9837 Strauss was German, not Austrian
Kathleen Battle is one of the greatest star: fantasic atmosphere and heaven's Mozart music.When I listen to this, the world becomes a little bit better.
How can you not cry when listening to this gorgeous music?
i cried
Melodies, harmonies, orchestration - Strauss was a master at it all. This Trio, and his Four Last Songs, are among my favorite transcendent vocal pieces.
Add the Presentation of the Rose, the final scene from Capriccio, the Recognition Scene from Elektra and the great tenor aria in the second act of Frau Ohne Schatten.
You have a very valid point here.
This final trio is gorgeous music writing indeed! The Last Four Songs are absolutely incredible, such truly beautiful music written for the soprano voice ( demands a darn fine soprano to render it justice ) .
@@stephenschmall9029 I grew up listening to the Four Last Songs by Elizabeth Schwarzkopf, which, for me, became something of a standard in my young mind. I prefer a 'colder' rather than a 'warmer' tone in these songs. Though I've enjoyed many other soprano renditions.
Oh yes Lady or Sir!
Viele Grüße from the Münsterland in Northwestern Germany ,
Bernd.
The three ladies are sublime artists, but Claudio is immortal!
Visible Italian hand in making the sound of the Berlin Philharmonic more lyric. Bravo Claudio Abbado and Rest in Peace...
what a phenomenal column of sound Battle used to have - so angelic, so extremely beautiful
Highest quality performance. Exceptional singing and the conductor and orchestra are in top form. Sensitive and elegant rendition.
I come back again and again to this video. It’s a musical performance of rare perfection. Everyone involved is living the music from head to toe, and WHAT music it is too. I sob with pleasure every time.
Don't get no better than this sublime music in a universe ending performance.
Music from another planet! Another WORLD!
A much better world than this.
Alle Beteiligten, Dirigent, Orchester, Sänger und Strauss allen voran, berühren mit ihrer Darbietung unmittelbar Herz und Seele. Neben einem unbeschreiblichen Gefühl stellt sich auch eine körperliche Reaktion ein: Gänsehaut. Immer wieder
I had the most massive girl-crush on Frederica von S in the 80s... And hearing and seeing her again, I can quite see why! The voice...The musicality.. The intelligence.. The looks... Sublime!!
First I see you on a Gene Nelson video and then here. Your tastes are as eclectic as my own...and that's a good thing as far as I'm concerned. I've always loved von Stade's voice too.
@@aneamarlivana172 For sure. Good music is good music. Great performances transcend style, genre, bias, prejudice,age... Everything.
Frederica von Stade’s voice is in itself one of the greatest wonders of beauty.
You rarely would ever see again a performance like this now days!
My eyes filling of tears every time I listen this masterpiece, maestro Strauss knew how to take us from comedy, drama and touching moments. Nobody like him to make it possible. Also, if you listen the dialogues, it's very heartbreaking that fact the princess must give up and let the real love triumphs. A wisdom decision yet painful, that could be a mess and extremely dramatic scene, but Maestro Strauss made it sophisticated, touching, and beautiful, one of my very favorite scenes of all opera.
The perfect three. Oh to see them together is bliss.
Strauss harmonies are really some of the most cathartic pieces to listen to
Stunning. Just stunning. Three of my favorite singers, and when they come together, MAGIC happens. Strauss was an absolute genius. I have tears in my eyes.
I felt the same way too, Jessica....when Sophie and Octavia were embracing at each other.
This is a performance for the ages. Three incomparable singers and the brilliant late Claudio Abbado. Thank you opera buff.
Kathleen Battle forever! She made me feel the beauty of opera! Always my favorite!
YES
YES, if only her ego hadn’t gotten in the way of her voice then she could have recorded DER ROSENKAVALIER and ARABELLA on the complete recordings with Te Kanawa. What a waste of talent and no one could straighten the b**ch out. No wonder the San Francisco Opera staff wore tee shirts stating “WON THE BATTLE!”
whether you like or appreciate Opera or not is not important... how can you listen to this and not be moved??? that orchestra, those angelical voices... some people are blessed and then they share their gift with the word. All I can say to these ladies is God Bless you and THANK YOU!
My heart kept pumping but my lungs failed me. What a joy it must be to be able to make music like that.
If I could sing well. I would sing all the time morning noon and night. I would open my windows and greet both dawn and dusk.
I have no idea to this day what those (three german) ladies were singing about. Truth is, I don't want to know. Some things are best left unsaid. I'd like to think they were singing about something so beautiful, it can't be expressed in words, and makes your heart ache because of it.
These 3 ladies are American.
@@emitch9213 Jean Jean is adapting Morgan Freeman's character, Red's words from the Shawshank Redemption, where two "Italian" ladies are singing the Letter Duet from Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro
An incredible performance...and no one in the audience thought to stand? They will never hear a better performance in their lifetimes.
perhaps they were afraid to lose their seats to seat-fillers?
It's extraordinary to have three such operatic powerhouses sharing the same stage. This is the finest performance of the trio that I have ever heard.
Not just the final trio - the whole damn final scene to the end! And Abbado conducting YES! And there's me weeping in front of the monitor again... this is why opera is the greatest performance art form. I'd never quite appreciated von Stade that much before now, but now I get it. I must say that this is one opera where you kind of sit through its many wonderful moments and its bumptious heavy-handed comedy to get to this Trio and finale - like time off for good behavior.
It makes me think of those concert performances of the Prelude to Tristan - then straight to the Liebestod, ditching the five hours of the actual opera that happen in between. I find the concept amusing: just the juicy bits, please! LOL On a fashion footnote, check out the train on Kathleen Battle's dress. Now that's Diva!
David Rodris: That “diva” attitude is what got her ass kicked off the world’s great opera stages and out of recording studios.
@@johnpickford4222 She returned to the Met in 2016.
@@exaudi33 Thanks. I didn't know that.
LET IT ALL OUT! (LET YOUR HUMANITY BE PROVEN UNTO EVEN YOU!!!)
@@johnpickford4222Never was a soprano more appropriately named, than Kathleen Battle!! That's not diva behavior, that's Me, Me and only ME, behavior!🤦
OMG...how can you listen to this without it making you weep! Genius Strauss brought alive with this beautiful trio
I wept a lot too when it comes to Frederica von Stada, performing Der Rosenkavalier with Kathleen Battle and Renee Fleming....Frederica's voice became dramatic but beautiful.
If you do not feel transported to heaven, something is wrong with you. This phenomenal singing... profound musicianship.
How wonderful a thing is youtube that we get to experience this for free! I cry every time, it's so moving. Strauss gets so much sound out of the orchestra, and uses it to such full emotional effect that you go from deep torment and pain to celestial delight and pure love in a few minutes. When the brass kicks in playing a motif, I just lose it. I think it's Octavian's motive, but just with so many instruments going and full brass, the German in me just melts. Battle is perfect for this role, young girl out of a convent, shy and overawed with the godly power of love, Frederika sings well, and Renee looks so pretty.
Absolute bliss, I agree totally. What great artists, what a performance
I'm crying. And deep thanks to Opera Buff for allowing me to share the applause. Sublimity realized. Comparisons at this level absolutely meaningless. These are world-class musicians - all of them.
Tron Duick hb
One of the two most musically beautiful moments in opera, IMHO...the other being the Presentation of the Rose, also from Rosenkavalier.
No words needed. This is what heaven must feel and sound like. I mean, I have tears in my eyes and strolling down my face. Strauss was a genius and these three ladies definitely do their best to honor him appropriatley. Battle's Sophie is angelic, van Stade sings hear heart out with this role and piece and Fleming's voice is like golden stardust. Love. Love. Love.
Irina Antesberger Sigur excepțională distribuția. Un regal pentru toti iubitorii de opera.
Irina Antesberger dietrich fischer dieskau
Brava ladies!!!! Three powerhouse singers. Beautifully performed. Sublime and other worldly.👏👏
Beyond gorgeous. this is the perfect expression of how bittersweet love is. These three are stupendous!
Kathleen Battle is gorgeous.
I weep uncontrollably every time I hear the Final Trio from Der Rosenkavalier. One of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written. This was performed at the funeral of Richard Strauss and the singers kept breaking down emotionally and could barely get through the performance.
Just imagine if the rest of the opera were just the same. It would be impossible to listen to without a whole package of tissues.
Actually, the rest is like this finish. I am moved from the first scene till the last. But this is maybe so, because I know this opera so well and I can not distinguish anymore the complete opera from just one song. Another especially moving song is the Marshallin singing about time.
The opera was actually the first opera I saw in Vienna at the age of 15 years. I got free ticket for a standing place from the music school. My father told me about the plot and he meant that the opera is not really "the right thing" for my age. It might have been true, but it has formed my life especially with my behaviour with women.
If I would like to express the feeling of listening I would compare it with a special exquisite chocolate which you get only once in your life and would like it to never end.
@@hanshartmann8205 -- Oh my! To see it at age 15....Dreikäsehochregression oder Mundphantom? For me, that emotion is evoked by 'Gesegnet soll sie Schreiten.' Tut mir Leid...Ich meinte 'Schuldaufdeckungsangst, Ebenmäißgkeitsentzückung- Rindfleischetikettierungsüberwachungsaufgabenübertragungsgesetz!" Herzlich, Mexikaner Donaudampfschiffahrtsgesellschaftskapitän !
@@steveegallo3384 I am not sure what you want to say. Although I like Wagner, I can not understand what your quote from Lohengrin should mean in that context.
It took me nearly 50 years to appreciate R Strauss as I do now. In the 90’s I heard Rosenkavalier and Capriccio at the NY Met under Levine’s direction. They were evenings at the opera that live with me to this day. The sound was heavenly. The performances beyond the reach of criticism. The singing and the acting nonpareil. This may sound like nonsense to anyone who has not had such evenings. Thank you for this evening in Berlin. PS - I miss Ms. Battle. Her glory days are to be appreciated and savored. Her fall from grace was as heartbreaking for her admirers as it must have been for her. The fragility of fame and fortune are not to be underestimated.
So breathtakingly beautiful, and so poignant. And with the rich Strauss orchestrations, adding more color and feeling.
I come back to this performance over and over. I'm so grateful.
Of all the beautiful versions, I just keep coming back to this one...
We have lost our greatest legendary maestro Claudio Abbado, who passed away Monday afternoon January 20, 2014 at the age of 80. May he rest in peace. Amen.
alan1963 ם
He was indeed one of the very greatest conductors - he got to the emotional truth and heart of everything. And that emotional range included sheer, breathtaking, roller-coaster ride excitement just when you wanted it.
The way that conductor looked at 3:44 is literally my expression during this entire performance❤ marvelous!
Haven't seen Kathleen Battle perform in a long time. Was this before or after she was fired by the Met?
@@helencaroprese4351 Before. She has done some performances since, including returning for a concert at the MET in 2016.
The touching humanity of this trio is shot through with a golden loveliness that makes it, for me, one of the triumphs of human achievement. Young love and the tenderness of mature renunciation united in music so perfectly realized that it might be pillars of crystal light, hanging in the air.
Thanks for your comment, Wolfy Green. Your ability with words is as beautiful the Trio... a piece I have long held to be the most gorgeous, most sensual, piece of music ever written.
Wolfy Green You couldn't have put it better. One of the best moments in all of opera. And this was a superb performance of it.
+Wolfy O'Hare well said. YES! agreed
Your post is beautifully phrased. Thank you for that.
One of the greatest trios in all opera....sung exquisitely here.
Yes, great to hear a trio that knows it is an ensemble, rather than competing divas. Just perfect!
I want this played while I am dying (in about 30+ years I hope and depending on the mode of communication that is being used for music at that time), I will take my last breath when she hits that last high note and slowly sink into peace. Nothing can thrill my heart more than this Trio and blend of notes and voices. Thank you Straus for giving us this music and we pass it along for more generations.
Never tire of this amazing experience, never get through without streams of joyful tears.....
I though that is was just me !
I got to perform this very section with the Bay Area Rainbow Symphony back in 2014. Frederica was part of the trio and it was a sublime moment!
Stunning performance, Frederica von Stade one of my all time favourites. Very many years ago the BBC made a film with Ms. Stade in France when she did her recording - the best IMHO - of Songs of the Auvergne. It was a brilliant & wonderful programme and she was so lovely. I also thing Renee Flemming is brilliant. I don't know the other lady but the trio were sublime! Worth looking at is Ms Stade singing Moon Song. Just wonderful.
Gorgeous singing by all! And so perfect together!
Frederica Von Stade's voice is warm and I like listening to it on cold nights with warm puddings. Yeah her voice and puddings.. It does not get better than this
we should be friends and listen to von stade and eat puddings
Ah.. what a vision ... I have thought.. at my funeral I want played Flicka's finale of Cinderella.. Have you seen it? ?
A triumvirate of perfect voices.
I have not seen this... can you respond and direct me to the post?
Crystal clear but warm like molasses at the same time. She really does pull you up into another rhealm...
And a very attentive Claudio Abbado yo their magical voices. Pure bliss Indeed for the ears
Kathleen Battle - WOW! Magnificent.
This is absolute, eternal beauty. So many memories, feelings wake up listening and watching this, that it is almost impossible without tears... Deeply thankful...
I am so happy that this great performance is available for everyone to see on line. This always makes me weep, especially with these performers. BRAVA! BRAVA! BRAVA! THREE GREAT LADIES. I love you all.
I weep with you, devastated by this beauty. It's as if all humanity were screaming out to the universe.
You ain't by yourself, bro!
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Live long and prosper. :)
Nobody but Strauss could have achieved such perfection.
My God, how impeccably flawless and beautiful...Like 3 angels.
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Live long and prosper. :)
It has been a year, or two, since hearing this recording. It never ceases to amaze me ....tears of pure joy, once again.
Magnificent! Sublime justice to the finest moments in this opera and a testament perfectly executed to Strauss" glorious appreciation of the female voice. What women , what singers!
+Clive Papayanis agreeeed
+Clive Papayanis One of the best version of tis exquisite moment in opera. The singers are perfection...as is the music.
Sublime!
Clive Papayanis I
This can never lose its luster.
Great music with great singers brings out the intensity of the emotions without my understanding a word. Truly awesome and inspiring.
Incredibly unearthly and incredibly beautiful. One of the greatest trios from one of the greatest operas ever written.
Sung beautifully by three great artists. Brava! Brava! Brava! And Abbado and the Berlin Philharmonic are brilliant. Bravo! Bravi!
voice is the most wonderful instrument ever.
Last, exquisite notes from a dying civilisation. RIP Bach, Beethoven, Mozart.
Wow.. love that texture at the end... celesta & harp in unison + piccolo an octave above: mystic beauty
doesn't get much better than this.
How can a mere human mind imagine and conceive such beautiful music, and so beautifully sung. Perfection. Thank you for posting.
Having performed in several productions of this, my favorite opera, at San Francisco Opera, and heard the most glorious voices of my time there (1972-1988), I have to say this is one of the most supernal renditions I've ever heard. Thank you so much for posting. You've done opera lovers everywhere a tremendous, irreplaceable favor.
My favorite opera too. The first time I heard it, I knew nothing about it, and hadn't even read a synopsis. It immediately became my favorite opera.
The passion of the orchestra. It's all so, well, beyond words, for me, anyway.
The end of a love affair always feels like betrayal. How beautiful this is.
Glorious music, beautiful singing.
If there's such thing as PERFECTION exists in this World, I think THIS IS. Bravo !!!
Kathleen's voice is angelic. And she still looks great. The ladies' harmonizing makes the spine tingle. And the gentleman! I love baritone. He sounds like a deep place in a river getting enriched by unseen mineral-laden rocks beneath.
No finer music in all of opera than this finale. Especially moving when you know the story and what it all means. Renee Fleming is the older Marschallin (princess) who loves the young man (Von Stade) enough to give him up so that he can marry the young woman he loves (K.Battle). So beautiful... Brings tears to my eyes every time I see or hear it. Thank you for posting.
I prefer Die Frau ohne Schatten or Daphne !!
@@lucaogliari2912: And your opinion matters, WHY?!
@@lucaogliari2912 Fair enough - since all of Strauss is so marvellous i is hard to choose what is the 'best.'
@@johnpickford4222 No need to knock the opinions of others, is there?
They are all beautiful songbirds I listen to them over an over !
che splendore maestro abbado, quanto ci manchi
I my humble opinion, music and performance do not come much better than this.
Maybe they would a little better if Carlos Kleiber conducted?
No need to be humble. You´re absolutely right. It can´t get any better
I was Kathy's classmate at CCM in the early 70s. Tough cookie !!
Had to be, I expect
Their beautiful singing voices are out of this world, and gorgeous and graceful like Cherry bloosom in full bloom in Spring
🌸💮🌸💮🌸💮🌸💮🌸💮🌸💮🌸💮💮🌸💮🌸
🌸🌸🌸
Look at Abbado, grinning like a kid in a music store.
Mucha gracias..Richard Strauss- Espléndido compositor...
There is nothing more beautiful.
Staggering beauty. Staggering artistry.
Highpoint of all opera. And this here is one of the best renditions ever recorded.
kathleen sounds like an angel
Although she was a devil...
Kay Hodge Has j
I hear she was a total bitch. I hope not.
@@notnek202 "in February 1994, during rehearsals for an upcoming production of La fille du régiment at the Met, Battle was said to have subjected her fellow performers to “withering criticism” and made “almost paranoid demands that they not look at her.” In response, General Manager Joseph Volpe publicly dismissed Battle from the production for “unprofessional actions” during rehearsals indicating he’d also “cancelled all offers that had been made for the future.”
Volpe devotes an entire chapter to Battle in his 2006 memoir, citing numerous examples of her disruptive antics - nonstop complaints, tardiness at rehearsals and nastiness to fellow performers and stagehands.
With hindsight, commentators have suggested that her relatively sudden stardom at the most important opera house in America simply went to her head. Others suspect her behaviour masked enormous insecurity."
@@James_Bowie sounds like she was on drugs. Very sad hope she is happy today and able to tell her story of what was wrong with her.
Incredible performance. Incredible Richard Strauss.
OMG Maestro Abbado. RIP Four gems of the opera world.
Absolutely ,a masterpiece
All three are just superb here. What a wonderful performance.
I always cry when I hear this music. It’s so over the top, but it gets straight into my soul, my heart
Questa musica è veramente un dono dal cielo, un balsamo per le ferite dell'anima, specie per chi deve rinunciare ad una persona tanto amata...Leb' wohl, Daniela...
+Parsifal Kna accordo...
I didn't see a warmer ROSE yet! The scent of these three rose ladies will last forever.
umanità...questo pezzo è sublime di umanità generosa; musica di altissima ispirazione.magnifico....
Three gems of the opera, indeed!