In the comments section of this post, you are invited to offer your opinion on why Renée Fleming‘s broadcast performance (as heard tonight, October 13) strikes you as a great portrayal of the Marschallin. 

The best comment in this section will win 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.

Deadline for entries in this competiton will be midnight, Wednesday October 14 when the comments section in this thread 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.