Strauss, Richard: Die Aegyptische Helena

Die Aegyptische Helena by Richard Strauss
Cast: Gwyneth Jones, Matti Kastu, Dinah Bryant, Barbara Hendricks, Willard White, Curtis Rayam, Betty Lane, Glenda Kirkland, Patti Dell, Maria Cimarfelli, Katherine Grimshaw and Birgit Finnila; with the  Kenneth Jewell Chorale and Detroit Symphony Orchestra conducted by Antal Dorati.
Label: Decca
Catalogue number: D176D3
Country of Issue: UK
Date: 1979
Stereo
Format: LP Boxed Set (3 discs plus booklet)
Label design: 2nd style FFSS, purple
Discs: Near Mint, unmarked
Outer box: Near Mint:  one very tiny scuff at the leading edge of the bottom flap. 
Inner sleeves: original, polylined, as new
Booklet: full size 32pp, perfect, full libretto

This item appears as new throughout except as mentioned above. Acquired by us in 2007 as part of a large collection but never played since.  

The opera was first performed on June 6, 1928 in Dresden. It is one of Strauss's several operas based on Greek art and cutlure along with Elektra, Danae and Daphne. Described by Strauss as a little Wagnerian, the music was acclaimed but the drama itself was thought lacking which contributed to the work's relative lack of lasting success. On recording though it is a very fine work,  high Romantic - perhaps considered old-fashioned in 1928.