i stand warned
From an email promo for Washington National Opera’s current production of Elektra:
See Susan Bullock and Christine Goerke Sing Elektra!
Washington National Opera stars Susan Bullock and Christine Goerke are featured in these extended excerpts and interviews from a recent production of Strauss’ Elektra in Florence, Italy, directed by Robert Carsen and conducted by Seiji Ozawa. Note: The interviews and subtitles are in Italian, and Clip Two contains nudity.
But, on the other hand, La Cieca thinks perhaps (just perhaps) nudity might be preferable to some of the costuming for this production, which our informant describes as “a particularly overwrought drag show.”
Totally agree chaco – I think La Baltsa has been underrated. She’s always great in everything she does.
That is GOERKE, thank goodness, who is doing Leonore next year, not Baltsa, whose voice, empty of a middle register and with the chest brought wildly high, hasn’t been in good shape since about 1985.
Goerke —bombed— just the other night in Philly as —Norma—. Check it out in R.M.O. What is it then about Philly that seems to attract pig noise-making?
I was present for Gorke’s Agrippina in Sfe a few years ago, and the voice was flat, out-of-control, and she looked like a Bronx matron. While the voice has some very attractive places (the middle) the top is flat and not blooming. She seems to have taken time off the past few years to rework the voice, but, while larger, not necessarily better. Listen to some of the Firenze Chrysothemis on Youtube.
As for Bullock, I took part in 2 perfs of ELEKTRA with her, and while she is comfortable in the role, the voice is just plain old WRONG for the part.
Must be my ear… i didnt notice CG being off pitch. I remember exciting runs of coloratura singing and great comic know-how, and much physical grace. Id love to see her treatment of Klytamnestra.
High C’s@420:
Goerke’s character (Chrysothemis) and Klytamenestra don’t share any stage time.
Oops… my bad… between the WNO production, the talk of Agrippina and the fact that i just opened and listened to the Sinopoli cd w/ Marc/Scwartz/Voigt… im confusing myself… is this a good or not so good version of the Electra CD?
I think Marc is the most beautifully sung Elektra on disc. The orchestra is powerful, recording quality great. Good choice.
Ive been into opera for 8 years now, and this is my 8th Strauss CD… i really disliked him in the beginning, but now thoroughly enjoy him… even after just the one listen tonight, i can tell ill get my monies worth…