After recently listening to several other Elektras from the Opera Depot catalog that had great casts, but miserable sound, I finally got to one that has both excellent singers and sound. Nilsson was just shy of 60 when she sang this performance and there are moments when that's apparent. The vibrato isn't as steady as it normally was - at least until she warms up which she has by the end of the first monologue. The high notes still sound like lasers aimed at impaling the audience with their strength. Nilsson's interpretation has also deepened and she conveys all of Elektra 's pent-up rage and thirst for revenge. Bjoner could be an uneven singer, her strong voice taking on a wobble, especially later in her career. Here she displays some of that, especially towards the end of the evening, but it's never out of control and she plays Chrysothemis very well. Varnay's voice had seen fresher days too, yet her growling low notes and frightening cackles make up for any vocal deficiencies. Nimsgern and Uhl are first-rate as Orest and Aegist. The supporting cast is extremely good as is Sawallisch's conducting.I think this is derived from a broadcast source as the sound is very clear, the voices easily heard over the orchestra. The recording is cut off just before the applause at the end; too bad as I'm sure the response must have been terrific. The fillers are very enjoyable. All are available complete from Opera Depot.

Eine tolle direkt Aufnahme mit den damals besten Sänger. Die Aufnahmequalität ist gut.

A brilliant, and exciting performance. Four giants of the operatic world showing us how it should be done.