Richard Strauss: ELEKTRA – A Timeless Opera Masterpiece (2CD Set)

Product Information

• UPC: 028943173728
• Catalog Number: 431 737-2 GX2
• Product Type: 2 Compact Discs, Digital Stereo Recording
• Title: ELEKTRA
• Composer: Richard Strauss
• Libretto by: Hugo von Hofmannsthal
• Conductor: Karl Böhm
• Performing Ensemble:
  • Staatskapelle Dresden
  • Chor der Staatsoper Dresden
• Featured Principal Artists:                    Label: Grammephen / Mammophon / Polydor International GmbH, Hamburg
  • Elektra: Inge Borkh
  • Klytämnestra: Jean Madeira
  • Chrysothemis: Marianne Schech
  • Aegisth: Fritz Uhl
  • Orest: Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
  • The Tutor (Der Pfleger des Orest): Fred Teschler
  • The Confidante (Die Vertraute): Renate Reinecke
  • The Train-bearer (Die Schleppträgerin): Hermi Ambros
  • A Young Servant: Gerhard Unger
  • An Old Servant: Siegfried Vogel
  • The Overseer (Die Aufseherin): Ilona Steingruber
  • Five Maids (Fünf Mägde): Cveta Ahlin, Margarete Sjöstedt – Sieglinde Wagner, Judith Hellwig, Gerda Scheyrer
• Release Year: 1961
• Manufacturing: Printed in Germany by Schwerdtle + Schantz, Berlin; Made in Germany

Overview

English Overview

Experience Richard Strauss’s commanding musical drama ELEKTRA, a powerful work of modern opera that delves into myth, vengeance, and tragic destiny. This celebrated recording, featuring the unparalleled vocal artistry of Inge Borkh, Marianne Schech, Jean Madeira, and Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, is brought to life by the legendary Staatskapelle Dresden under the baton of Karl Böhm. With a libretto by Hugo von Hofmannsthal, ELEKTRA is a riveting exploration of intense psychological themes and dramatic expression. Whether you are an avid opera collector or a classical music enthusiast, this 2-CD digital stereo edition stands as a definitive interpretation of one of Strauss’s most enduring masterpieces.

French Overview (Vue d'ensemble)

Découvrez le drame musical imposant ELEKTRA de Richard Strauss, une œuvre d'opéra moderne qui explore avec force les thèmes du mythe, de la vengeance et du destin tragique. Cet enregistrement prestigieux, mettant en vedette le magistral talent vocal d’Inge Borkh, Marianne Schech, Jean Madeira et Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, prend vie grâce à la légendaire Staatskapelle Dresden sous la direction de Karl Böhm. Avec un livret d’Hugo von Hofmannsthal, ELEKTRA offre une exploration saisissante des thèmes psychologiques intenses et de l'expression dramatique. Que vous soyez un collectionneur d'opéra passionné ou un amateur de musique classique, cet ensemble stéréo numérique en 2 CD représente une interprétation incontournable de l'un des chefs-d'œuvre les plus durables de Strauss.

Product Features

Format & Packaging

• Media Format: 2 Compact Discs delivered in high-quality digital stereo
• Packaging: Elegantly designed with authentic artwork reflective of Strauss’s era and Polydor’s classic presentation
• Edition: Remains a coveted collector’s item for its timeless musical and historical significance

Musical & Production Details

• Opera Structure:
  ELEKTRA is a one-act opera that features a complex narrative rich with psychological depth and intense dramatic moments.
• Artistic Direction:
  Karl Böhm’s masterful conducting brings out the exquisite orchestral textures of the Staatskapelle Dresden, complementing the formidable vocal performances.
• Vocal Excellence:
  The principal roles are portrayed by some of the most distinguished voices of the era, ensuring an emotive and unforgettable interpretation.
• Historical Significance:
  Recorded in 1961, this production remains a benchmark for performance practice in modern opera, celebrated for its precision and interpretative brilliance.

Interesting Facts

English Interesting Facts

• A Landmark Recording:
  This 1961 recording of ELEKTRA is widely recognized as one of the definitive interpretations of Strauss’s work, revered by critics and aficionados alike.
• Stellar Cast & Conductor:
  The collaboration among legendary artists such as Inge Borkh, Jean Madeira, and Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, under Karl Böhm’s direction, creates a performance of extraordinary depth and nuance.
• Cultural Impact:
  With its innovative lyrical and dramatic style, ELEKTRA challenges conventional operatic narratives, influencing generations of opera production and interpretation.

French Interesting Facts (Faits intéressants)

• Enregistrement de Référence :
  Cet enregistrement de ELEKTRA datant de 1961 est largement considéré comme l'une des interprétations définitives de l'œuvre de Strauss, acclamé par la critique et les passionnés.
• Distribution Exceptionnelle et Direction :
  La collaboration entre des artistes légendaires tels qu’Inge Borkh, Jean Madeira et Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, sous la direction magistrale de Karl Böhm, offre une performance d'une profondeur et d'une subtilité extraordinaires.
• Impact Culturel :
  Grâce à son style lyrique et dramatique novateur, ELEKTRA remet en question les conventions narratives de l’opéra et a marqué l’interprétation et la production lyrique pour les générations futures.

Track Listing

ELEKTRA unfolds in one continuous dramatic span divided into multiple sections that include powerful arias, recitatives, and ensemble pieces.
Note: For those seeking a detailed breakdown of the individual musical numbers, please refer to the accompanying booklet notes provided with this release.

Publishers

Released by Polydor International GmbH, Hamburg in 1961. Printed in Germany by Schwerdtle + Schantz, Berlin.
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Hashtags

English:

#RichardStrauss #ELEKTRA #KarlBöhm #StaatskapelleDresden #IngeBorkh #OperaLegend #Polydor #DigitalStereo #ClassicOpera #ModernOpera

French:

#RichardStrauss #ELEKTRA #KarlBöhm #StaatskapelleDresden #IngeBorkh #OpéraLégendaire #Polydor #StéréoNumérique #OpéraClassique #OpéraModerne