This isn't, perhaps, the most electrically (pun intended) charged of Elektras, but it does boast a fine cast lead by a conductor known more for the Italian repertoire. Borkh's portrayal of antiquity's ultimate basket case is a known commodity and she doesn't spare herself even for this RAI concert performance. She is terrific as is Zadek as her rather less neurotic sister. Zadek only recently passed away (at 101); she clearly demonstrates why she had such a long career. Höngen sings Klytemnestra just as beautifully as she did ten years earlier under Beecham. I like her more subtle, less bombastic portrayal. Neralic is very good as Orest with his excellent diction and the American tenor Handt shows again that he could sing just about anything. The supporting cast, some odd German aside, is also first-rate. Previtali conducts a more lyrical Elektra than we usually hear. The sound is excellent. All Elektra fans will enjoy this.

RICHARD STRAUSS'S "ELEKTRA" STARRING INGE BORKH IS ALWAYS A MUST HAVE.

This fascinating reading of Strauss' masterpiece comes to us by way of Radio Italiana in 1957. Conductor Fernando Previtali leads a performance that stresses transparency of orchestral texture, giving us a somewhat intimate interpretation of the bloody doings in the House of Atreus. The close radio microphoning abets the intimacy, enabling Inge Borkh to deliver her standard-setting, blonde-voiced Elektra without seeming to exert herself. Her sister, Chrysothemis, is ably voiced by Hilde Zadek, while Elisabeth Hoengen -- a first-rate singing actress -- essays Klytaemnestra with dignity, an interpretation that some may find controversial. Tomislav Neralic is a solid Orest and Herbert Handt's foppish Aegisth is too swiftly dispatched. The comprimarios are an able group and RAI, besides possessing a fine Roman orchestra, sends the whole thing forth in marvelously balanced sound.