Strauss: Elektra
Synopsis
It's hard to imagine confirmed Straussians not wanting this starry Metropolitan Opera performance of Elektra. Strauss and his librettist, Hugo von Hofmannstahl, transformed Sophocles' take on Homer's tale into a harrowing opera noir. Elektra lives for one reason, to kill her mother, Klytämnestra, and her stepfather, Aegisth, the murderers of her father, Agamemnon. In contrast to Elektra's vengeful obsession, her sister Chrysothemis desires to get on with life. When their long-missing brother, Orestes, returns to do the deed, Elektra celebrates with a dance of death and, her sole purpose in life fulfilled, dies. Strauss joined the hermetic plot to music of the utmost opulence, violent and yearning by turns, evoking the cardinal principles of Greek tragedy - pity and terror.
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Release History & Theatrical Window
February 16, 1980
Wide Cinema Exhibition
September 1, 1988
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- David Stivender, Herbert Graf
- Screenplay & Story
- Hugo von Hofmannstahl
- Original Score
- Richard Strauss
- Original Title
- Strauss: Elektra
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- German
- Runtime
- 1h 50m
- Production Studios
- Deutsche Grammophon, The Metropolitan Opera
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
David Stivender, Herbert Graf
Hugo von Hofmannstahl
Richard Strauss
Department Leadership Roster
David Stivender
Director
Herbert Graf
Director
Hugo von Hofmannstahl
Writer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Strauss: Elektra.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Frequently Asked Questions About Strauss: Elektra
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Strauss: Elektra about?
It's hard to imagine confirmed Straussians not wanting this starry Metropolitan Opera performance of Elektra. Strauss and his librettist, Hugo von Hofmannstahl, transformed Sophocles' take on Homer's tale into a harrowing opera noir. Elektra lives for one reason, to kill her mother, Klytämnestra, and her stepfather, Aegisth, the murderers of her father, Agamemnon. In contrast to Elektra's vengeful obsession, her sister Chrysothemis desires to get on with life. When their long-missing brother, Orestes, returns to do the deed, Elektra celebrates with a dance of death and, her sole purpose in life fulfilled, dies. Strauss joined the hermetic plot to music of the utmost opulence, violent and yearning by turns, evoking the cardinal principles of Greek tragedy - pity and terror.
Who directed Strauss: Elektra?
Strauss: Elektra was directed by David Stivender, Herbert Graf.
Who stars in Strauss: Elektra?
The principal cast of Strauss: Elektra includes Mignon Dunn, Birgit Nilsson, Leonie Rysanek, Robert Nagy, Donald McIntyre.
When was Strauss: Elektra released and how long is it?
Strauss: Elektra was released in 1980 with a total runtime of 1h 50m.
Who composed the musical score for Strauss: Elektra?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Strauss: Elektra was composed by Richard Strauss.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Strauss: Elektra?
Strauss: Elektra holds official age classifications: DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.).