Strauss: Elektra - Schröder-Feinen, Rysanek, Varnay, Hopf, Adam; Böhm. München, 1977
$8.95
Description:
Ursula Schröder-Feinen rises to the immense challenge of the title role in Elektra, navigating the jagged vocal terrain with fearless commitment. Leonie Rysanek, a veteran Chrysothemis of nearly 25 years, proves yet again that she was in a league of her own when it came to Strauss. Her singing brims with expressive fire and tonal sheen, lending both strength and vulnerability to the character.
Astrid Varnay finds just the right balance between grotesque grandeur and human fragility as Klytämnestra. Hans Hopf makes a striking impression in the brief but memorable role of Ägisth, while Theo Adam provides grounded dignity as Orest. Conducting from Karl Böhm, always associated with Strauss, crackles with intensity—his tempos here push boundaries, injecting the performance with visceral momentum, even if they occasionally test the limits of his forces. This newly remastered version also corrects the persistent pitch issues of earlier releases.
BONUS:
Leonie Rysanek sings the final scene from Salome
In Stereo
OD 11617-2
