RICHARD Strauss's most famous -- and longest -- opera is a feast of luscious music, glorious singing and knockabout humour.

At four hours long, with intervals, it's not for those with short attention spans, but get through the first act and you are captivated by the antics of the second and the sheer humanity of the final one.

The rose knight of the German title is Octavian, young lover of the mature Marschallin, who finally realises that she will have to let him go to a younger woman.

That girl is Sophie, betroved to the Marschallin's lecherous and ageing cousin, Baron Ochs, to whom the anguished Octavian presents the ceremonial silver rose on behalf of the Marschallin's family.

In this comic love quadrangle, only the baron is sung by a man, the excellent Conal Coad. The breeches role of Octavian is played by a woman (Deanne Meek) in this feast of soprano singing, brought off magically with Janis Kelly as the Marschallin and Marie Arnet as Sophie.

Cross-dressing (Octavian also plays two women's roles), opulent decadence and with a famous waltz, this is Richard Strauss -- no relation to the Johann Strauss clan -- at his lavish best.

Opera North are to be congratulated on this beautifully-staged production, with excellent contributions by the chorus and orchestra, conducted by Martin Pickard.

Tonight the company performs Janacek's tragic Jenufa, tomorrow is Puccini's ever-popular Tosca, and Friday sees a concert performance of William Walton's Troilus and Cressida.

John Griffiths