The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra (BBCSSO) recently presented a concert performance of Richard Strauss's 'Elektra' at Usher Hall in Edinburgh. The performance, featuring a 111-piece orchestra, was conducted by Karina Canellakis, whose efficient and economical gestures were noted.
The orchestra played Strauss's dissonant score with clarity and excellent balance, according to reports. All singing roles were superbly realised, with Lea Shaw and Emma Morwood highlighted among the maidservants, and Lee Bisset shining as their Overseer. Günther Groissböck's bass made Oreste's nobility clear, and John Daszak introduced a note of camp as Aegisthus.
The evening was dominated by the three central female roles. Karen Cargill compellingly portrayed Klytämnestra, Vida Miknevičiūtė delivered radiant singing as Chrysothemis, and Ingela Brimberg combined tireless vocal powers with textual attentiveness in the demanding title role of Elektra. The singers also impressed with their acting, devising mise-en-scene without directorial input.