The Intriguing and Successful Collaboration of Richard Strauss and Hugo von Hofmannsthal in the Creation of Der Rosenkavalier
The Santa Fe Opera Guild presents Der Rosenkavalier: “An Old-fashioned Viennese Waltz, Sweet Yet Saucy” featuring presenter Desirée Mays.
Dr. Bernadette Snider, the Guild’s President said, “We are pleased to welcome Desirée Mays as the second presenter in our Lecture Series this year. Ms. Mays brings a wealth of knowledge about opera to her presentations and we are looking forward to hearing her insights on Der Rosenkavalier.”
Der Rosenkavalier: “An old-fashioned Viennese waltz, sweet yet saucy.” Thus, Hugo von Hofmannstal described his idea for a new opera to Richard Strauss following their dramatic Elektra. Desirée Mays will discuss the intriguing collaboration between the Viennese poet, Hugo von Hofmannsthal, and the Bavarian musician Richard Strauss with musical examples.
Der Rosenkavalier, a social commentary on life in 18th century Vienna, waltzes along in ¾ time in moods of farce, idealism, and parody, with elements of bittersweet memories of the past. The cross-dressing shenanigans of Octavian, the mezzo-soprano in a travesti role, switch hilariously throughout from Mariandel, the maid, to the Knight of the Silver Rose. At the heart of the opera Strauss presents one of his most beloved characters, the Marschallin, who gracefully loves, learns, and poignantly muses on fleeting time and the fragility of life.
Then, as now, Europe was ready for comedy, for a treatise on love young and old, bombastic, and romantic set to glorious music.
Registration $10 Guild Members | $20 Non-Members
********************************************
Desiree Mays, international speaker on opera, lecturer at SFO's Cantina for 20 years, author of the Opera Unveiled series, and radio producer, brings to her audiences the stories, music interpretation and insights into the world of opera. Her upcoming presentations include the Triangle Wagner Society of Raleigh/Durham, and the Puccini Society of Dallas.