Very interenting to listen

For those who were not there, it is worth observing that Nilsson had the biggest voice in the world at the time (sometimes doing off pitch at this point in her career as she had not even three years before in Edinburgh) but that Jones’s voice was now almost as large. People still debate whether Jones’s voice in later years became larger than Nilsson’s had been. Jones’s vibrato or tremolo varied at each performance. Rodney Milnes, reviewing, wrote of her “Such a generous singer: always gives two notes for the price of one.”

Even if this performance was in worse sound, I'd recommend it to Elektra fans. Carlos Kleiber didn't do this opera often (he almost didn't do it this time either!) and anything he conducts is worth hearing. Every note is in place and none of the traditional self-indulgent hamming is allowed. Nilsson was just short of her 60th birthday; except for tiring somewhat at the end one would never guess it, the voice remaining steady and full, the top notes still thrilling. Jones is an excellent Chrysothemis, trading high notes back and forth with Nilsson in the final five minutes. Szirmay is an accurate, well-sung Klytämnestra, but not memorable in the ways that Resnik and Madeira are. Probably at Kleiber's behest, she ventures no demonic laughter at the end of her scene with Elektra (in all fairness the stage directions only ask that she smile at her daughter before leaving the stage.) Whoever does her offstage screams is unconvincing. The rest of the cast is terrific. I think Teresa Cahill sings the Fifth Serving Woman (certainly not the third as listed above).The sound is very listenable,a few level changes aside; it certainly does not get in the way of enjoyment.All Elektra fans should hear this, if only to hear what Kleiber does with the score. Fans of the singers will also be pleased.

Amazing perfomance, with the best conducter

This sounds like it was discretely recorded from the Upper Slips at Covent Garden and there are brief interruptions. Owing to the poor sound quality, it will be a great reminder for anyone who was fortunate to be present at these legendary performances. Kleiber's extraordinary, diamond-chiselled drive helps both Nilsson and Jones, who at this stage in their careers tended to either go slightly flat or wobble! Nilsson is in top form and her handling of the text is far superior to her Decca recording. Jones was superb, though has trouble keeping up with Kleiber's beat occasionally. Szirmay is the weak link, though not bad. McIntyre and Craig are cast from strength. Chorus in final scene inaudible.

I was fortunate enough to catch one of this series of performances, especially as it appears to have been Nilsson's last appearance at the ROHCG. I went for her, rather than ELEKTRA and can remember the production, performances and even costumes, but have no recollection of the opera. Strangely enough, it was Pauline Tinsley singing for WNO that brought ELEKTRA into focus, since when it has become my favourite opera. For the most part, Nilsson is pin-point accurate, but right at the end her top note falters, which is a shame as the rest of it was so good. I could not locate any cuts either. Jones was having a good night - no vibrato. The less major characters were cast from strength - Donald McIntyre as Orest, Charles Craig (a later Otello) as Aegisth. Would that that could be done these days. The sound is variable. Disc 1 is fine, but disc 2 has 2 changes of sound level, the second one having a distinct break as well. Despite that, I found it thoroughly enjoyable and look forward to listening to it again.

Pretty sure that Teresa Cahill is 4th Maid, and Jean Bailey is 3rd Maid - not the other way round, as stated on the packaging.

An intersting recording. Jones and Nilsson are splendid as are McIntyre and Craig. The recording quality is just about bearable and does not destroy Kleiber’s exciting account of this amazing score.

...the sublime Charles Craig, here making the best of a short -but important- role. Bravo again to Andy for making several of Craig's performances available!

Analytical reading and intense, singers and orchestra excellent.