Der Rosenkavalier- Strauss - Final Scene

Strauss - Der Rosenkavalier (The Knight of the Rose) / Gwyneth Jones (Feldmarchallin), Brigitte Fassbaender (Octavian), Lucia Popp (Sophie), Benno Kusche (Faninal), Carlos Kleiber (Conductor), Munich Opera (1979)
With 3 great singers singing the leading female parts, how could you go wrong? This was a momentous night, with Carlos Kleiber leading the Munich State Opera Orchestra superbly. The production by Otto Schenk is colourful and well directed. A wonderful addition to the DG Catalogue.
Our "young couple" are Brigitte Fassbaender and Lucia Popp, who join Gwyneth Jones (Feldmarchallin) in gorgeous singing and equally excellent acting.
In the emotional climax of the opera, the Marschallin gracefully releases Octavian, encouraging him to follow his heart and love Sophie. She then withdraws elegantly to the next room to talk with Faninal. As soon as she is gone, Sophie and Octavian run to each other's arms. Faninal and the Marschallin return to find the lovers locked in an embrace. After a few bittersweet glances to her lost lover, the Princess departs with Faninal. Sophie and Octavian follow after another brief but ecstatic love duet, and the opera ends