Strauss Richard: Elektra (2SACD)

"Elektra" was premiered in Dresden in 1909 and was Richard Strauss' first collaboration with librettist Hugo von Hofmannsthal - many more were to follow. It is the most modern of all his operas. Based on the (heavily revised) play by Sophocles, Hofmannsthal's version focuses on Elektra's inner thoughts and feelings as she has individual conversations with other members of her family. Strauss' score is exceptionally daring harmonically and contains the famous Elektra chord (a simultaneous combination of E major and C sharp major). The orchestration is extraordinarily elaborate, even by Strauss's standards, and includes eight horns, six trumpets, double timpani and two harps. The performance was recorded live in Bergen in December 2023, conducted by Edward Gardner and featuring a cast led by the great Swedish dramatic soprano Iréne Theorin, one of the finest Elektras of our time.