In penning this “chamber opera” in 1912, Richard Strauss sought to meld two powerful, yet seemingly contradictory, theatrical forces: the staid and decorous opera seria (a tradition of high art, noble deeds, and mythological settings), and the brash and low-brow slapstick of commedia dell’arte, populated by harlequins and clowns. The result is a heroic tale plucked from Greek mythology that is brazenly interrupted by a buffo brigade of singing comedians. It’s hard to choose which style dominates in the Met’s 1988 telecast, in which the majestic Jessye Norman, as the title princess, squares off against Kathleen Battle as her prankish foil.

Nightly Opera Stream - Available for 23 hours!

Download the app at the IOS or Android Store, click on “Explore The App” and click on “Free Preview”. That entire opera is available for 23 hours.