"Elektra"

The Strauss opera "Elektra" is a musical interpretation of the Sophocles tragedy of the same name. It is similar to his earlier work, "Salome," with deception and murder as central points.

 

However, Elektra leaves the self-indulgence and incestuous lust behind to focus on seemingly rightful revenge. As with many other of Strauss' operas, the music speaks as much for the cast's emotions as do the songs. Always pushing and prodding the capabilities of musicians and instruments, the elements of Strauss operas impact both the singers and the audience.

The poet Hugo von Hofmannsthal produced a play based on Sophocles' "Elektra" and then offered the libretto to Strauss. This was the first of several collaborations between the two men. Like treatments to other Strauss operas, he reduced significant portions of the Hofmannsthal original while incorporating some additional poetic verse into a one-act operatic drama.

Upon its completion in 1908, "Elektra" featured three sections containing eight scenes. Each is clearly set out for flow, buildup to the climax and the abrupt ending.

"Elektra" premiered on Jan. 25, 1909, at the Semper Opernhaus in Dresden. Strauss remained true to the original setting in a courtyard at King Agamemnon's palace in Mycenae.

Original cast members included:

An "Elektra" plot summary below showcases all the elements of emotion while taking revenge to extremes, at the unforeseen loss of innocent life. It's an impassioned piece that is fraught with frenzy that borders on madness.

The "Elektra" cast is as follows:

The cast also includes numerous servants of all ages within the home and on the grounds.

In the two introductory scenes, a servants' discussion reveals the character of Elektra. She is often ignored following her banishment from the household. Elektra is intent on revenge, knowing that her mother Queen Clytemnestra, along with her then-paramour Aegistheus, murdered the queen's husband, Agamemnon.

Elektra dresses in ragged clothing and resorts to roaming among the dogs. She shows contempt for anyone who does not share the desire to keep her father's memory alive. We soon learn the back story.

Earlier, Elektra's brother, Orestes leaves the region, at Clytemnestra's urging, to avoid interfering with their mother taking a lover. With the son away, the queen can set the stage for marriage. King Agamemnon returns from the Trojan War and is murdered by the queen and her lover while taking a bath. Elektra vows revenge but knows she must wait until her brother returns. She foresees the day when she will dance on her mother's and Aegistheus' graves.

The midsection of the opera features four scenes. These begin with Elektra meeting with her sister Chrysothemis. They are so different in character and some conflict exists between the two, due in part to Elektra's forcefulness.

Clytemnestra, in the meantime, clearly is suffering from the consequences of her deed. She suffers from nightmares and feels a deep sense of remorse, fearing most for what will happen to her. In an odd move, she reaches out to Elektra and confides of her anguish. Elektra counsels first that the queen will feel better when someone dies. Within the course of their conversation, she admits that her mother is the one who must pay for the murder. She proudly announces that Orestes will do the honors.

At this point, a maid enters and whispers a message for the queen. Clytemnestra becomes jubilant. Chrysothemis joins them, announcing that two strangers have arrived and that their brother Orestes is dead. Elektra knows that it is up to her to exact the dreamed-for revenge. She solicits her sister, who rebukes the challenge.

Elektra leaves to retrieve a hatchet she buried in hope of having her brother use it upon his return. As she is digging, a stranger approaches. Acting as a servant would, she asks questions and discovers the stranger was Orestes' friend. He tells her of the death and she responds with abundant grief. He wonders if she is related and she confesses. The stranger, unrecognized to this point, discloses that he is Orestes and faked the news of his death.

Orestes and Elektra enjoy an emotional reunion that is also a highly charged moment in the opera. Orestes leaves Elektra behind and enters the palace in search of the queen. Through the music sequences and a scream at the end, Elektra knows that their mother is dead.

In the final set, Aegistheus arrives and speaks to Elektra. She tells him of the visitors and ushers him to the palace entry. Orestes, his accomplice and servants attack and kill Aegistheus.

During the final dramatic scene, Chrysothemis seeks out her sister. She admits she is happy the queen and her husband are dead and glad that Orestes returned to help. On this note, however, Elektra has already begun a frenzied, whirling dance in anticipation of performing on the graves. She spins herself in such abandon and with such intensity that she falls dead to the ground.

Asiado, Tel (2007). Richard Strauss Opera Elektra. Retrieved January 16, 2008, from the Suite 101 Web site: http://german-opera.suite101.com/article.cfm/richard_strauss_opera_elektra.

Musicwithease.com (2005-2008). Elektra - A Synopsis. Retrieved January 16, 2008, from the Music With Ease Web site: http://www.music-with-ease.com/strauss-elektra-synopsis.html.

Richardstrauss.com (1998). The Works of Richard Strauss. Retrieved January 16, 2008, from the Richard Strauss Web site: http://www.richard-strauss.com/elektra.html.