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Synopsis - Act III Act three of Der Rosenkavalier takes place in a private restaurant at an inn. A sizable interlude precedes the "real" action, during which piano is used extensively to create the tavern's ambiance.
Octavian, Valzacchi, and Annina oversee the night's events, with Octavian (dressed as the "lovely" Mariandel) pays them off with a thrown purse of money. During the intermezzo Octavian (dressed as the fair Mariandel) checks to see all his trick players in the room are in place . . . and the rogue Baron Ochs enters the trap. After Ochs enters he makes no waste in attempting to seduce Mariandel/Octavian, and feigns surprise when a large anteroom with a bed is discovered. The planted tricks play their part, popping up for the Baron, who is distracted, but not as distracted as when he is approached by the veiled Annina, claiming he is her husband. Four small children appear, crying "Papa, Papa," making Baron Ochs' case look especially bad. The Baron calls for officials, but again, his actions prove especially damning - caught in a house of "ill repute" with a commissioner, he turns to Valzacchi to verify his identity and is rebuked. He then claims Mariandel is his fiancee, Sophie von Faninal. The Faninal family appears to prove that a lie to the commissioner. The father Faninal immediately dissolves the marriage agreement, and all seems lost until the Marschallin arrives to regain order. The Marschallin recognizes the commissioner as a man who has served her husband, and dismisses him. Octavian meanwhile, has dispensed of his handmaiden attire, and has returned in pants. Baron Ochs begins to realize the farce that has been pulled on him, and takes it in relatively good humor. He tries to slip out unnoticed, however, and is presented with a bill for the night. Sophie, Octavian, and the Marschallin are left alone. A lovely trio takes place, in which the Marschallin frees Octavian (realizing their affair has run its course) to pursue Sophie. The curtain closes on Octavian and Sophie.
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