Description:

I labeled this recording of Elektra as "Extended Excerpts" due to the omission of the "Maids Scene" and the presence of a few drop-outs. Additionally, the sound quality includes a noticeable hiss, and the micing is slightly distant. With the bad news out of the way, lovers of this opera will still find much to appreciate thanks to the stellar cast.

Amy Shuard brings a rare beauty of tone to the daunting title role, a welcome novelty in a part typically dominated by sheer power. That said, she does not shy away from Elektra's demands for intensity, delivering a performance that balances vocal richness with dramatic force, occasional wayward high Cs notwithstanding.

The opera world is already familiar with the Chrysothemis of Marie Collier, notably from Solti’s iconic recording with Birgit Nilsson and Regina Resnik (fun fact: Collier was a last-minute replacement for Gwyneth Jones). In this live performance, the size and cutting brilliance of her voice are even more apparent than in the studio recording. At times, she even seems to overpower Shuard in sheer volume. Collier also brings an added energy to this live setting, likely due to the immediacy of the performance—and perhaps in contrast to Solti’s meticulous recording process, which often diluted spontaneity.

Martha Mödl portrays Klytämnestra, and though her glory days were well behind her by 1966, she gives a chilling and deeply compelling performance. Her vocal frailties lend the character a surprising touch of vulnerability, making her portrayal both unsettling and sympathetic.

Conductor Edward Downes leads an excellent performance, though he occasionally opts for slower tempi. Despite the imperfections, this recording is a fascinating document of a remarkable cast in a live setting.

BONUS:
Amy Shuard, Marie Collier and Martha Mödl sing arias and scenes

OD 10643-2