Der Rosenkavalier

Der Rosenkavalier (opus 59) is an opera in three acts composed by German composer Richard Strauss. The libretto was written by Austrian librettist Hugo von Hofmannsthal, who collaborated with Harry Graf Kessler. The premiere took place at the Hofopera in Dresden on 26 January 1911. The story of the opera is set in Vienna in the mid-18th century.

Der Rosenkavalier premiered on 26 January 1911 in Dresden under the direction of Ernst von Schuch, who had previously conducted the premieres of Strauss' Feuersnot, Salome and Elektra. Initially Georg Toller was to direct the opera, but he withdrew and was replaced by Max Reinhardt. Soprano Margarethe Siems (who also performed in Strauss' first role for Chrysothemis in Elektra) sang the role of the Marschallin, which would become the highlight of her career. Minnie Nast played the role of Sophie and Eva von der Osten the role of Octavian.
Der Rosenkavalier was an immediate great success. The tickets for the premiere were reportedly sold out almost immediately. Although some critics objected to Strauss' anachronistic use of waltz music, the audience was very enthusiastic. Der Rosenkavalier became the most popular opera by Strauss and is still a beloved opera.

Within two months of the premiere, the work was already translated into Italian and performed at La Scala in Milan.