yesterday, i attended the Washington National Opera's production of
ELEKTRA, the early 20
th century masterpiece by
strauss. after the Battle of Troy,
Elektra's mother had
Elektra's father, the king, knocked off by her lover.
loosely based on history, this is story of a daughter's sweet revenge with assistance from her loving but tender sister and brother who just returns from the battle. no one recognizes the battle hero
orestes but the dogs.
Elektra sings throughout the entire difficult score. many harmonies clash the dissonant thematic chords.
orestes is sung by this huge bear of a man
daniel sumegi, the
australian baritone. susan bullock in the title role.
this is grand opera at its best.
here's the final dance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHyBjaGvaTI&feature=related