Richard Strauss: Elektra (1988): cast, story & where to watch
1988 · Film
Released in 1988, Richard Strauss: Elektra is a music film directed by Herbert Graf, running about 110 minutes.
What it’s 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’s in it. Richard Strauss: Elektra stars Mignon Dunn as Clitemnestra, Birgit Nilsson as Elektra, Leonie Rysanek as Crisotemis and Robert Nagy as Egisto, among others.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Richard Strauss: Elektra page.
If you liked it. Fans of Richard Strauss: Elektra tend to enjoy Whiplash, Coco, Green Book and The Legend of 1900.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Richard Strauss: Elektra (1988)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Richard Strauss: Elektra change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Who stars in Richard Strauss: Elektra?
- Richard Strauss: Elektra stars Mignon Dunn, Birgit Nilsson, Leonie Rysanek, Robert Nagy and Donald McIntyre.
- When was Richard Strauss: Elektra released?
- Richard Strauss: Elektra was released in 1988, with a runtime of about 110 minutes.