Richard Strauss: Elektra — WDR Archive 1953 — Astrid Varnay, Leonie Rysanek, Hans Hotter CD

Product Information

• UPC: 845221050089
• Product Type: Music CD (Complete Opera Recording)
• Format: Digital Audio Disc (DDD)
• Label: Capriccio
• Catalog Number: 1005008
• Release Year: 2009 (Archival Recording from 1953)
• Recording Location: Köln, Funkhaus des WDR, Saal I
• Recording Dates: August 22–28, 1953
• Orchestra: Kölner Rundfunk-Sinfonie-Orchester (now WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln)
• Choir: Kölner Rundfunkchor (now WDR Rundfunkchor Köln), Chorus Master Bernhard Zimmermann
• Conductor: Richard Kraus
• Language: German (libretto by Hugo von Hofmannsthal)
• Audio Engineering: Tonstudio Ulrich Kraus, Koch-Schwann

Overview

This historically significant complete recording of Richard Strauss’s Elektra is sourced from the esteemed WDR archives and dates back to 1953. The recording captures a powerful live studio performance featuring legendary singers such as Astrid Varnay in the title role, Leonie Rysanek as Chrysothemis, Hans Hotter as Orest, and Res Fischer as Klytämnestra.

Under the expert baton of Richard Kraus, the Kölner Rundfunk-Sinfonie-Orchester and Kölner Rundfunkchor deliver a dramatic and intense interpretation of Strauss’s one-act tragedy, with the text by Hugo von Hofmannsthal. The detailed booklet includes libretto and translations, making this release both a valuable historical document and an enriching listening experience for opera enthusiasts.

Product Features

• Principal Cast:

  Chorus: Kölner Rundfunkchor, Chorus Master Bernhard Zimmermann
  • Elektra: Astrid Varnay (Soprano)
  • Chrysothemis: Leonie Rysanek (Soprano)
  • Klytämnestra: Res Fischer (Mezzo-Soprano)
  • Orest: Hans Hotter (Baritone)
  • Ägisth: Helmut Melchert (Tenor)
  • Supporting cast includes Heiner Horn, Gerti Charlent, Helene Petrich, Käthe Retzmann, Hasso Eschert, Arno Reinhardt, and a group of five maids.
• Orchestra: Kölner Rundfunk-Sinfonie-Orchester
• Conductor: Richard Kraus
• Format: Digitally remastered from original mono tapes, DDD
• Production: Westdeutscher Rundfunk Köln archive release, licensed by WDR mediagroup licensing GmbH
• Design: sowiesodesign.de, photos by AKG Berlin

Interesting Facts

• Historic Recording: This 1953 performance is a rare archival gem featuring some of the finest post-war Wagnerian voices.
• Legendary Artists: Astrid Varnay and Leonie Rysanek, two of the 20th century’s most celebrated sopranos, deliver stirring performances.
• Monumental Opera: Elektra is known for its intense orchestration and psychological depth, beautifully rendered in this early WDR production.
• High-Quality Restoration: Digitally remastered by Ulrich Kraus and Koch-Schwann, this release preserves the original sound quality while enhancing clarity.

Publishers

Published by Delta Music GmbH, Frechen, Germany. Distributed by Capriccio Records. All rights reserved under catalog number 1005008.

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Hashtags

• English: #RichardStrauss #Elektra #AstridVarnay #LeonieRysanek #HansHotter #WDRArchives #CapriccioRecords #HistoricOperaRecording #KölnerRundfunkorchester #GermanOpera