This is a really odd, although very interesting, production of Strauss’s ‘last romantic opera’ (his words). It is a reconstruction, almost like a documentary style presentation (without the cuts or narrator), of a recording of the opera that was done in 1955. Presented as if it was actually being recorded, with sound engineers pottering around the stage (in reality, actors hired for the roles), while the singers are dressed in 1950s fashion. Musically, it is sound and highly enjoyable, while the presentation of this production shows the other side of music and what’s its often like to record.