Cheap Richard Strauss - Elektra / James Levine, Birgit Nilsson, Leonie Rysanek, MET (DVD) (Birgit Nilsson) Price
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| ACTORS: | Birgit Nilsson |
| CATEGORY: | DVD |
| THEATRICAL RELEASE DATE: | 01 January, 1980 |
| MANUFACTURER: | Pioneer Video |
| MPAA RATING: | NR (Not Rated) |
| FEATURES: | Color |
| TYPE: | Performing Arts - Opera |
| MEDIA: | DVD |
| # OF MEDIA: | 1 |
| UPC: | 013023152090 |
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Customer Reviews of Richard Strauss - Elektra / James Levine, Birgit Nilsson, Leonie Rysanek, MET
Stunning Document of a Memorable Occasion This performance of Elektra at the Metropolitan Opera is a wonderful momento of Birgit Nilsson's final performance in a complete opera at the MET. The matinee performance of February 16, 1980 proves visually what recording afficionados who own Ms. Nilsson's recording of Elektra have known for years: Nilsson is without competition in this role. Granted, this performance is late Nilsson and there are some pitch problems as well as some straightness of tone in alt -- small flaws in an otherwise shattering performance. Leonie Rysanek is said to have had a fever of nearly 102f that day, but as a favor to her esteemed collegue, went on anyway to give an equally committed performance. I cannot recommend this video highly enough. For those of us whose generation knew Birgit Nilsson to BE the greatest Elektra of her time, this DVD must make it's way into every serious opera collector's collection. Mignon Dunn is in fine voice as Klytemnestra and acts the role with great depth of emotion and character without caricature. Add the superb playing of the MET orchestra under James Levine -- and how can you miss. If only Miss Nilsson's Salome and Dyer's Wife in Frau Ohne Schatten had been committed to video as well. Buy it, buy it, buy it!
Overwhelming performance(s)!
This Elektra took on legendary proportions before it was performed! The cast has not been surpassed although a broadcast several years ago with Behrens, Fassbaender and Voigt was also a compellng performance. I was at that perfomrance(also a matinee). I didn't have the good fortune to have been at the Nilsson Elektra. Dunn and Rysanek prove to be Nilsson's equals. What I wouldn't give for the likes of this cast today. The most emotionally draining performance on dvd. The word event is wasted on many mindless performances. This is an EVENT! Met orchestra and Levine perform out of their minds. The only word is superb. This belongs on every shelf in every opera lovers' home. That the audience carried on for over twenty minutes at the curtains fall tells you something. Buy it and don't loan it to anyone........
FLAWED DVD!
There's just something about this DVD - the technical aspect that is quite, quite dreadful. It is of course a Video to DVD transfer and that's where the flaws lie .... the voices are occasionally {and more than occasionally} drowned out by the orchestra.
Performances? Superior ... except for the unflattering camerawork and the lost opportunities.
The climatic conclusion between Elektra and Clytemnestra is utterly wasted - the moment when Clytemnestra reveals her true self - and drops the ornate 'walking' canes and exits screeching with laughter at her misbegotten daughter ! Missed!!! {A Crucial moment of the work, superbly realized in the 1975 Karl Bohm Paris production ['THAT' decaying anthill set!]
Such a superior moment - also the recognition scene between Orestes and Elektra - another wasted opportunity .
Camera lacks the tension of the drama.
Sets and costumes are effectively lit and executed.