The Knight of the Rose (Der Rosenkavalier, 1926)

Watching Silent Films

In Robert Wiene's final film entry, Wiene proved that he not only had impeccable taste when it came to creating the rococo ambience of the original opera, but was also perceptively tuned into the ironic element which distinguishes Rosenkavalier as one of the major 20th century operas.

The film is based on the music of Der Rosenkavalier opera by Richard Strauss. It was arranged in an instrumental form to suit the film medium and was played by a repetiteur on set. Taking the opera’s story line as its central theme, the result was a film comedy enlivened with attractive locations, including Schönbrunn Castle and its extensive grounds in Vienna. The ‘people’s film opera,’ as Strauss liked to call it, was staged in an opulent scenography produced by Alfred Roller who had furnished the setting for the opera’s premier.

Film versions of operas were already popular in the silent film era; however, few other opera films of the time were as spectacular and of such a high musical quality as Der Rosenkavalier.

For more on Richard Strauss, this unique playbill talks about the making of the film, his music, and his life.

https://issuu.com/orchestraenlightenment/docs/der_rosenkavalier_programme_pdf

Host Diane spearheaded one of the Internet's first silent film related websites, and now runs The Silents Majority - Goes Wayback! on Facebook. Be sure to join this public group for daily, silent era content!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/484423584978921

Hosted by YiFeng, Lily and Diane

Recorded on September 30th, 2020