The recording packs a mighty punch from the initial Agamemnon motif, scything brass braying Elektra’s revenge theme. There is percussive glitter for Klytemnestra, whip cracks marking the arrival of her entourage. The full barbarism of Strauss’s score makes a searing impact, Orest’s murder of Klytemnestra especially brutal, yet there are moments of great tenderness too. Reference Recordings affords the Pittsburgh Symphony a weighty sound, strong in bass attack. Honeck provides his own excellent booklet-notes which give the listener a blow-by-blow account of the music, with helpful timings. … A splendid showcase for Honeck's Pittsburgh forces.” —Mark Pullinger, Gramophone
Labels: ElektraRosenkavalier, Gramophone Magazine, Manfred Honeck, Mark Pullinger, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Review, Strauss