<<<  <<  -- 4 --  Kelly Ferjutz    PURE MAGIC

Sophie's father, Faninal, who cannot quite forget his less-than-wealthy past, was brought to vivid life by baritone Eike Wilm Schulte, while his Major-Domo (who doubled as the same personage in the Marschallin's household) was enthusiastically portrayed by tenor Scott Scully. Tenor Robert Woerle reminded one of Pavarotti wielding his white hankie as the inn-keeper.

Aric Floyd was the charming page Mohammed, jumping happily into the embrace of the Marschallin as the final notes were played. Everyone in the huge cast (including members of the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus as coachmen, orphans, porters, footmen, waiters, musicians, constables, servants, messengers and other assorted characters, plus the Cleveland Orchestra Children's Chorus as all those make-believe children of Baron Ochs) was in good voice and looks. I could find no mention of lighting or costume designers, but the very capable prompter was William Billingham.

Next year at this time, we'll be presented with Rusalka, by Antonin Dvorák. I can't wait!

Der Rosenkavalier was a performance that will not be soon forgotten. For a quick glimpse of what you missed if you couldn't attend, go to: www.rogermastroianni.com/derrosenkavalier/

For tickets or other information about the Cleveland Orchestra, call the ticket office at +1 (216) 231 1111, or visit the web-site: www.clevelandorchestra.com