Description:

Ludmila Dvořáková's sole outing as Elektra is nothing short of revelatory. It is astonishing that she never reprised the role elsewhere, as her interpretation possesses a dramatic authority and vocal beauty that rival the best on record. The richness of her middle range allows her to navigate the role’s punishing text with uncommon ease, while her top notes ring out with thrilling brilliance. Even when she veers slightly off rhythmically, her pitch accuracy remains remarkable. Elizabeth Schwarzenberg offers an admirable Chrysothemis, providing a grounded and sincere foil to Dvořáková’s intensity. Ernst Märzendorfer conducts with an ear for lyricism that brings out unexpected nuances in Strauss’ tumultuous score, revealing threads of beauty in the storm.

Less satisfying is Gertraud Eckert’s Klytämnestra, which lacks the vocal presence needed to fully inhabit the role. The orchestra, despite Märzendorfer’s strong leadership, makes more than a few missteps along the way.

Stereo

OD 11778-2