R.strauss: Elektra Charbonnet / Gergiev

Jeanne-Michèle Charbonnet (soprano), Angela Denoke (soprano), Dame Felicity Palmer (mezzo-soprano), Matthias Goerne (tenor), London Symphony Orchestra, Valery Gergiev

Composed by: STRAUSS, R.

Elektra

On this new set from LSO Live, Valery Gergiev conducts Strauss' Elektra, one of the most powerful operas in the repertoire, accompanied by a superlative cast. Premiered in 1910 at Covent Garden, under the baton of Sir Thomas Beecham, Elektra is a prime example of Strauss' finest melodic writing. It showcases many, of what were at the time, modernist techniques such as dissonance, chromaticism and fluid tonality. The one-act Greek tragedy was reconstructed by Hugo von Hofmannsthal, and his adapted text forms the libretto for the opera. The drama centers on Elektra and her determination to avenge her father's death. The themes of death, violence, sexual repression and revenge are omnipresent. American soprano Jeanne-Michèle Charbonnet is recognized as a leading force in German and contemporary music repertoire. She has appeared at the Opéra National de Paris, Teatro Real, Deutsche Oper, Teatro La Fenice, and the Teatro Comunale di Firenze. Angela Denoke and Dame Felicity Palmer both possess outstanding pedigrees in Strauss' operas. They are joined by outstanding Lieder specialist Matthias Goerne, making a rare foray into operatic repertoire.

Price: $36.98