As ever, Richard Jones is faithful to the text and this production emphasises just how snobby and class ridden is the Viennese society depicted, from the nouveau riche aspirations of Faninal, through Ochs' assumed social superiority to the gracious but nevertheless aloof Marschallin, all too aware of her top position in the social pecking order. But all shared appalling taste in décor and dress! There were three standout contributions, Lars Woldt’s Ochs, Kate Royal’s radiant and magnetic Marschallin (the finest I have seen live), and the Ticciati/LPO rendition of the glorious score – splendid horns throughout the evening. This bodes well for Ticciati’s tenure as Music Director. And the Rosenkavelier? I fear that despite being well sung, Tara Erraught was miscast, not convincing as Octavian or Mariandel. Opera is the whole package, orchestral music, singing, acting, visual impact, scenario … which is why entirely successful productions are so rare to come by.
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