This performance of Idomeneo is both remarkable and perplexing. The highlights come from outstanding singing actors, with Waldemar Kmentt lending the title role a regal yet robust presence. Lisa Della Casa, though slightly past her prime, still shines as Ilia, handling the role with ease and brilliance. As Elettra, Sena Jurinac strikes a perfect balance, delivering electric intensity without veering into caricature—a feat too rarely achieved in this part.

The puzzling aspects arise from unusual musical decisions. The performance features strange cuts and significant rearrangements, most notably in Act III, where Elettra’s aria “D’Oreste d’Ajace” is moved earlier, with part of the preceding accompagnato recitative reassigned to Idomeneo.