Elektra

I am a big fan of classical music/ballet/opera, and I was really taken by this production of Richard Strauss's opera Elektra.

The setting is very atmospheric, it has a somewhat apocalyptic feel to it which added further to any authenticity. The photography is skillful too, while the costumes are well-rendered. Strauss's music is outstanding, Elektra is not my favourite of his operas by all means like Der Rosenkavalier, but there are some wonderful highlights that is beautifully performed and sensitively conducted by Bohm, particularly Klytemnestra's murder scene and Elektra's death dance.

The story is very stirring and evocative, it is very dark and brutal in its themes, but it is ceaselessly compelling. The acting and singing is top drawer, Leonie Rysanek is an exceptional Elektra with a limpid voice and riveting acting ability, Astrid Varnay is superb in both acting and singing and Dietrich-Fischer Dieskau the fine, thoughtful performer he is is wonderful as Orestes.

Overall, an atmospheric and fine production. 10/10 Bethany Cox