Cast & Characters

The Cast

Conductor: Edo de Waart
Marschallin: Renée Fleming
Octavian: Susan Graham
Sophie: Christine Schäfer
Italian Singer: Eric Cutler
Faninal: Thomas Allen
Baron Ochs: Kristinn Sigmundsson

The Characters

Octavian Rofrano, or Count Rofrano, is a young nobleman. Although at first he is involved with the Marschallin, he falls in love with a girl closer to his own age, Sophie von Faninal. (Mezzo-soprano)

The Marschallin, the field marshal's wife (he never appears onstage). She is a member of the nobility and also has the title "Princess von Werdenberg". When the opera begins, she is in love with a younger man, Octavian. (Soprano)

Sophie von Faninal, young bourgeoise, and daughter of Faninal. (Soprano)

Marianne Leitmetzerin, Sophie's nurse. (Soprano)

Baron Ochs von Lerchenau, Marschallin's bumbling country cousin. He has horrible manners and flirts with every girl he sees, including "Mariandel", who is really Octavian in disguise! Baron Ochs is engaged to Sophie von Faninal. (Bass)

Mariandel, the Marschallin's maid, is actually Octavian disguised as a girl! Octavian dresses up as Mariandel to fool Baron Ochs, the Marschallin's cousin.

Faninal, Sophie's father, wealthy merchant who has recently been admitted to the nobility. He is anxious to see his daughter married to Baron Ochs von Lerchenau. (Baritone)

Annina, Italian intriguer. (Mezzo-soprano)

Valzacchi, Annina's accomplice. (Tenor)

Italian Singer (Tenor)

Majordomo, innkeeper, servants, merchants, children, doctor, police