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Prom 59: Strauss - Elektra

Live from the Royal Albert Hall, London, Andrew McGregor presents a performance of Strauss's opera Elektra, with Semyon Bychkov conducting the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Singers and Symphony Orchestra.

Live from the Royal Albert Hall, London

Richard Strauss's Elektra. Semyon Bychkov conducts a starry international cast, the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ SO & Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Singers in this powerful retelling of the Greek revenge myth.

Presented by Andrew McGregor.

Richard Strauss: Elektra

Elektra: Christine Goerke (Soprano)
Orestes: Johan Reuter (Baritone)
Chrysothemis: Gun-Brit Barkmin (Soprano)
Clytemnestra: Dame Felicity Palmer (Mezzo-Soprano)
Aegisthus: Robert Kuenzli (Tenor)
Orestes' Tutor: Jongmin Park (Bass)
Young Servant: Ivan Tursic (Tenor)
Overseer: Miranda Keys (Soprano)
1st Maid: Katarina Bradic (Mezzo-Soprano)
2nd Maid: Zoryana Kushpler (Mezzo-Soprano)
3rd Maid: Hanna Hipp (Mezzo-Soprano)
4th Maid: Marie-Eve Munger (Soprano)
5th Maid: Iris Kupke (Soprano)
Confidante: Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Singers Stepout 1 (Soprano)
Trainbearer: Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Singers Stepout 2 (Soprano)
Old Servant: Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Singers Stepout 3 (Bass)

Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Singers
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Symphony Orchestra
Semyon Bychkov (Conductor)

With a libretto by Hofmannsthal which focusses on Elektra's psychological state, Strauss's brutal and ferociously compelling interpretation of the ancient Greek orginal, premiered in 1909, is highly modernist and expressionist. It's brought to life by Semyon Bychkov, a long-time champion of his music. The cast is led by American soprano Christine Goerke, who recently dazzled in the title-role at the Royal Opera House, with Danish baritone Johan Reuter as her beloved brother Orestes.

In Greek mythology, Electra was the daughter of King Agamemnon and Queen Clytemnestra. She and her brother Orestes plotted revenge against their mother Clytemnestra and stepfather Aegisthus for the murder of their father, Agamemnon.

2 hours, 10 minutes

Music Played

  • Richard Strauss

    Elektra, Part 1

  • Richard Strauss

    Elektra, Part 2

  • Extra

    • Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach

      Sonata in A major, H135

      Performer: Danny Driver.
      • Hyperion.

Credits

Role Contributor
Performer Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Singers
Performer Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Symphony Orchestra

Broadcast

  • Sun 31 Aug 2014 19:30

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