A Question of Momentum

Recent instalments of the Berlin Philharmonic’s Easter Festival in Baden Baden have featured a high-profile opera performance as its centrepiece; and for those of us unable to leave Berlin over the Easter weekend, the orchestra has traditionally offered a subsequent concert performance at the Philharmonie in the week following. Last year the opera was Die Frau ohne Schatten and this year, continuing on the theme of unassailable Strauss masterpieces, the audience was treated to a performance of Elektra featuring Nina Stemme in the title role. With a strong supporting cast and compelling musical direction from Kirill Petrenko, the evening was memorable as much for its unbroken tension as for its explosive outbursts of high drama.

Elektra is unique among Strauss’ operas precisely for its relentlessness. If Salome hints at Strauss’ ability to…