_DESCRIPTION_:
Richard Strauss - Elektra (2006) [DVD9 NTSC]
# Actors: Eva Johansson, Marjana Lipovsek, Melanie Diener, Rudolf Schasching, Alfred Muff
# Directors: Martin Kusej
# Format: AC-3, Classical, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
# Language: German
# Subtitles: Italian, Spanish, English, French, German
# Region: All Regions
# Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
# Number of discs: 1
# Studio: Tdk DVD Video
# DVD Release Date: November 21, 2006
# Run Time: 102 minutes
.: Tracklist :
Elektra is a psychological drama usually difficult for beginners to "get into." This is chiefly because, traditionally, our Elektras have been older, established singers, but this very middleaged look makes it very hard for viewers to identify with the young Elektra who has been imprisoned by her mother and stepfather.
In this production we see Eva Johansson who is a much more age-appropriate Elektra. She has a wonderful voice, strong enough to be heard above Strauss' dynamic orchestral statements, yet soft and expressive when the score calls for it. Additionally, Johansson has here a wild, piercing stage presence--exactly what is called for in a successful Elektra.
The other singers are similarly appropriate. Marjana Lipovsek has done the opera before and makes for an excellent evil, yet guilt-ridden Klytamnestra. Alfred Muff is a more convincing Orestes than many previous. He really seems ready to go "do the deed" to punish mom and stepdad.
At first, I was a little worried by the non-traditional staging. Usually Elektra has been staged in a dungeon or cave-like stage, but this one features many doors, presumably leading to other areas of the palace. The costuming, and occasional partial nudity are also a change from the usual drab, "one-size-fits-all" burlap bags usually associated with productions of this opera. It all works! Finally, we have a good first experience with Elektra!
Other things to look for:
the beautiful, yet electifying "recognition scene," where Elektra's head swims dizzily, as she sees that her prayers are answered: Orestes has returned. This scene is typical Strauss, as Orestes says, "the dogs in the yard recognize me but my own sister doesn't."
Strauss' musical magic is there when Elektra cries out to her dead father about the dogs that "licked your feet and went hunting with you." There is a less-than-three-second musical evocation of dogs whining. This is just typical of Strauss' ability to create musical imagery.
The only criticism I would have is of the subtitle which translates "Scham" as "shame." The proper (and usual) translation is "modesty," and this is critical to Elektra's situation. She is telling Orestes how, in order to survive, she has given up even her modesty, to the point that her own brother could not recognize her.
If you've never seen Elektra before, this is a good introduction. If you're already familiar with it, you'll approve of this production.
PLEASE GIVE AT LEAST WHAT YOU HAVE TAKEN
STAY IN SEED PLEASE
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