Strauss: Elektra - Grob-Prandl, Hopf, Schubert; Klobucar. Graz, 1963
$8.95
Description:
Legend has it that Gertrude Grob-Prandl possessed one of the largest voices of any dramatic soprano—even rivaling Nilsson and Flagstad. Whether or not that is true is difficult to say, but this recording of Elektra reveals a voice of immense power and wild intensity. Her top notes must have been astonishing to hear live. During moments of highest dramatic intensity her high notes can come across as somewhat shrill, though this may have been an artistic choice, as she proves capable of scaling back her voice beautifully in more tender passages, such as the recognition scene and her second duet with Chrysothemis.
The rest of the cast is also very strong, including Gertraud Hopf as Chrysothemis, whose voice bears an uncanny resemblance to Leonie Rysanek.
OD 10553-2
