Janos writes of Mackerras in SFO's "Der Rosenkavalier:"

>It was an outstanding orchestra playing at its best, under the baton of
>the man who owns this music outright - Charles Mackerras, whose work with
>the orchestra is a miracle of "playing together," instead of imposing
>ideas.

I have to say I enjoyed the orchestral playing as well Saturday night;
Mackerras retained line, much like Runnicles, yet I wasn't left breathless.
And there was so much light and shade in the string sound--a ravishing
performance through and through.

It is amazing how seeing an opera live changes one's perception of a piece
forever.  I've been listening to Rosenkavalier since I was 17, yet I've
never really followed the story closely.  And those women kissing each
other--yuk!

John Smyth