THEODORAKIS, M.: Electra [Opera]

Available as a recording for the first time ever: the first of Mikis Theodorakis' 3 great ''lyrical tragedies'' (i.e. operas). The composer based his arrangement of the plot on Sophokles' version of the famous ancient tragedy – thus the 'theodorakian' Electra is the protagonist. She is the daughter of King Agamemmnon. After 10 years of battle for Troy the King has just returned to his palace in Mykene – only to be treacherously killed by his faithless wife Klytaimnestra and her lover Aigisthos. The murderous couple marries soon after the crime; however, their plans haven't considered Electra, who is craving revenge for her father ... ''Electra'' was composed between 1991 und 1994; its world premiere was held on May 2nd 1995 at the municipial theater of the former 'european capital of culture', Luxemburg. The 3-CD-recording was actualized under direction of Mikis Theodorakis himself with the St.Petersburg State Academic Orchestra & Choir.