Richard Strauss: Complete Opera "Der Rosenkavalier" Vienna State Opera Reopening Commemorative Performance Conducted by Knappertsbusch The Marschallin…Maria Reining Octavian…Sena Jurinac Sophie…Hilde Güden Baron Ochs…Kurt Böhme Faninal…Alfredo Poell Hans Knappertsbusch Vienna State Opera Orchestra Live recording from November 16, 1955 This performance was part of the commemorative performances for the reconstruction of the Vienna State Opera, which was destroyed in the war. The commemorative performances began with "Fidelio" conducted by the Music Director, Böhm. Other performances included… "Don Giovanni," "Die Frau ohne Schatten," and "Wozzeck" conducted by Böhm. "Aida" conducted by the young Kubelík. "Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg" conducted by Fritz Reiner. And "Der Rosenkavalier" was handled by the elder Knappertsbusch. I believe that such a luxurious lineup of performances, day after day, is unprecedented anywhere in the world. Furthermore, Böhm asked his senior, Bruno Walter, to conduct "Don Giovanni," but Walter declined due to his advanced age and instead took on the commemorative performance of the Ninth Symphony.