Lehmann’s Der Rosenkavalier Recording

Lehmann fans are well-aware that she created the definitive realization of the role of the Marschallin in Der Rosenkavalier of Richard Strauss. Most followers of her career also know that she was the first to sing all three leading soprano roles in the opera. Norman Del Mar in his detailed book on Strauss writes: "...of all the great artists who have made their reputations in this most endearing and human of all operas it is surely Lotte Lehmann who has reached the greatest heights and won the most hearts with her creation of the great lady." Although Lehmann was associated world-wide with this role, she reminded interviewers (me among them) of her devotion to singing Fidelio, her love for the role of Elisabeth in Tannhäuser or the humanity she found in Sieglinde in Die Walküre. But she did have a fascination with the character of the Marschallin and its detailed realization in sound and action. Sadly we have only audio records of her Marschallin performances. [Website users should be aware that Lehmann also demonstrated a scene from the first act of Der Rosenkavalier in her filmed-for-TV series of master classes.] These are of high quality and I only say "sadly" because of the consistent high praise she received for her acting. "She was every inch a princess--voice and gesture alike..." (Telegraph); "...an actress whose quiet ease is the perfection of the art that conceals art" (Ernest Newman); "...nobility of style and a depth and variety of emotion," (unidentified source).

When the "ideal" cast was gathered to record the opera in 1933, the result was critical as well as public approval. The original 78rpm album was available until the 1953 re-issue on microgroove (both 45 and 33rpm), followed by a long list of further reissues, re-mastering, cassette and CD formats. A catalog number has been listed for some time for a "direct from metal masters" CD from Références, but it isn't yet available. [Website users: CD now available: EMI CLASSICS CHS 7 64487 2; see Recommmended CDs]. The CD released by Pearl made from shellacs isn't as good as LPs, but is the only CD available. [At the time this newsletter was written.] During the past decades critics have consistently referred to the recording as the "classic Rosenkavalier" (David Hall); "precious heritage" and "impersonations that will be remembered as long as the opera is played" (Irving Kolodin).

The following article and discography [not included] are by Horst Wahl. Not only was he familiar with all aspects of recordings of that time, but he was also a personal friend of Mme. Lehmann. His dedication to Lehmann is evident in the care he has taken.

[Web Site users will note that since there are discographical errors in his table, which are corrected in the following Newsletter, it isn't included. Refer rather to the complete discography].