Three’s a crowd

Every time I watch the DVD of the 2004 production of Der Rosenkavalier from the Opernhaus Zurich   ( believe it or not, I have seen it more than once! ) I seem to notice something new. It is usually something musical which draws my attention apart from, of course, the fabulous character observations, divine singing, eye-catching costumes and scenery and phenomenal orchestral playing. But this last time I was struck by something which surely must be a deliberate production ploy from Sven-Eric Bechtolf  or from Chloé Perlemuter the TV director, that is the use of threes with one person or object coming between the other two.

Those familiar with this production will easily recognise these first two images which show the Marschallin standing between Octavian and his new love Sophie. Although seeming to give her blessing to the relationship and departing on a loving note she does present a very significant barrier between them and one wonders if her spectre will ever leave them.

Following “Marie Therese – Hab’ mir’s gelobt”

Die Feldmarschallin Furstin Werdenberg – Nina Stemme

Sophie von Faninal – Malin Hartelius 

Octavian, Count Rofrano, – Vesselina Kasarova

But surely there must be a special significance when Octavian and Sophie sing

“Ist ein Traum” with a tree between them?

The tree appears also as a barrier between Octavian and his first love in “Wie Sie befiehlt, Bichette”

and even in the tender scene between “Du bist mein Bub” and “Warum ist Tag?”

Of course Ochs presents a formidable but humorous filling to the romantic sandwich!

and again in the kitchen scene he is an obviously unwanted and feared third party.

But what of the strange old man?

The figure of Destiny? Fate coming between the young lovers even at the birth of their romance?

And, perhaps most poignant of all ….

After singing the incredibly moving soliloquy “Es ist gut. Geht nur wieder” 

the Marschallin pauses in between two chairs. A taste of things to come?

Of course I maybe way off-beam with this theory – there are more example if you look carefully.

Coincidence with the camera angles?

Just pretty picture making?

Any thoughts anyone?

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