Der Rosenkavalier, the most successful opera of Strauss and von Hofmannsthal's partnership, is a story of love, lust and human frailty. The story is not complicated but it soars and dips on Strauss' music with Hofmannsthal's expressive libretto. With Barker in the role of the Marschallin, who can fail to be moved by her poignant portrayal of facing the final loss of youth and her young lover? Count Octavian, (Carby), is a young man who has his life to enjoy with no thought of anything but pleasure and the Marschallin's company - until he meets the beautiful and innocent Sophie von Faninal (Pearson). The boorish Baron Ochs auf Lerchenau is superbly exposed by Hemm, his Viennese accent lending authenticity. Led by conductor Litton and staged by Oberle.