Good news for La Cieca’s competitive public! Tomorrow night during the Der Rosenkavalier chat (beginning at 7:15 pm), you all are invited to compete for recently released recordings of the beloved R. Strauss classic.  After the jump, you’ll learn how it works. 

When you arrive at the “Rosenkavalier” chat here at parterre.com tomorrow eveming, you will find links to two additional discussion threads, entitled “Ja, Ja” and “Nein, Nein.”  In the comments section of these threads you are invited to offer your opinions on why (or why not) Renée Fleming‘s broadcast performance strikes you as a great portrayal of the Marschallin.  Pro-Fleming screeds should be posted to “Ja, Ja,” and, obviously, those who find the diva wanting should post to “Nein, Nein.”

The best comment in each section will win a recording of Der Rosenkavalier.

Winner of the the “Ja, Ja” category will be sent the new Decca DVD of the opera starring La Fleming, Sophie Koch, Diana Damrau, Franz Hawlata and Jonas Kaufmann under the prodigious baton of Christian Thielemann.

The finest “Nein, Nein” response will win a copy of the Sony CD release of the classic Leonard Bernstein version, with Christa Ludwig, Gwyneth Jones, Lucia Popp, Walter Berry and Placido Domingo.

Deadline for entries in this competiton will be midnight, Wednesday October 14 when the comments section in the “Ja, ja” and “Nein, nein” threads will be closed. In honor of Our Own JJ, all eligible responses should be 300 words or less, and, while your doyenne invites your comments, nominations and general egging-on, her decision as to the winning essays is final. She also reserves the right to substitute alternate prizes to winners residing outside North America.

So, put on your thinking caps, get ready to listen to Der Rosenkavalier tomorrow night, and prepare to inform the world of your opinion of Prinzessin Renée: “Ja, Ja” oder “Nein, Nein.”