The multinational Count Harry Kessler had seen an opera bouffe based on an 18th century erotic novel. He suggested it to Hofmannsthal as possible material for a Strauss opera. The two men, best friends, worked together on the scenario for what would become Der Rosenkavalier. Their friendship came to an end when Hofmannsthal took sole credit for the libretto. When you read Kessler's famous diaries, it's a tragic moment, after so many years of closeness. When I was writing about the diaries I came across this doctoral thesis on the subject, in case you're interested in readiing more about it: https://research.gold.ac.uk/id/eprint/10559/
I really enjoyed the open air theater — the sunset in the background and the occasional bird — and the weather was perfect while I was there. Only downside is that starting Rosenkavalier at 8pm (to coincide with the sunset) means you're not out of there until midnight.
The multinational Count Harry Kessler had seen an opera bouffe based on an 18th century erotic novel. He suggested it to Hofmannsthal as possible material for a Strauss opera. The two men, best friends, worked together on the scenario for what would become Der Rosenkavalier. Their friendship came to an end when Hofmannsthal took sole credit for the libretto. When you read Kessler's famous diaries, it's a tragic moment, after so many years of closeness. When I was writing about the diaries I came across this doctoral thesis on the subject, in case you're interested in readiing more about it: https://research.gold.ac.uk/id/eprint/10559/
What did you think of the Santa Fe Opera and its open-air design?
I really enjoyed the open air theater — the sunset in the background and the occasional bird — and the weather was perfect while I was there. Only downside is that starting Rosenkavalier at 8pm (to coincide with the sunset) means you're not out of there until midnight.