Elektra

By Richard Strauss

Sophocles’ ancient tragedy is pushed to monumental extremes in this elemental drama pulsing with heated currents of Strauss’ most voluptuous music. This great work depicts Agamemnon’s daughter’s manic obsession with avenging his murder, unfolding as one huge crescendo from brooding resolve to bloody climax. The magnificent score, an enormous stream of orchestral sound, features unearthly effects and lush harmonies throughout, including the outstanding Recognition Scene. Relentless, absorbing and hugely effective, Elektra will have you in its grip from beginning to end.

In German with English Captions
Approximate Running Time: 1 hours and 39 minutes
at McCaw Hall

Features

Sights and Sounds

Director's Talk: Elektra

Two-time-Artist-of-the-Year Winner, Chris Alexander, directs an exciting group of singers in this thrilling Strauss opera.

Sights and Sounds

Preview Video of Elektra

Watch a video preview of this great work that depicts Agamemnon’s daughter’s manic obsession with avenging his murder.

Sights and Sounds

Speight’s Corner:Elektra

General Director Speight Jenkins talks with Education Director Perry Lorenzo about the spectacular Elektra. Watch as they highlight the singers who join us for this opera.

Interview

Janice Baird as Elektra

The American soprano Janice Baird makes her Seattle Opera debut in the title role of Richard Strauss’s Elektra and returns here in 2009 to sing Brünnhilde in Wagner’s Ring.

Photos

A Visual Tour

This revival of the 1996 production, “guaranteed to shiver the timbers of opera-goers” (The Seattle Times), mixes conventional courtyard stonework with striking new costumes.