Richard Strauss's "Salome," released on September 5, 2014, under The Art Of Singing label, is a gripping and provocative masterpiece that showcases the composer's unparalleled ability to blend orchestral grandeur with dramatic intensity. This opera, based on Oscar Wilde's play and adapted by Hedwig Lachmann, delves into the biblical tale of Princess Salome and her infamous dance for King Herod. Strauss's composition, first performed in 1905, has become a staple in opera houses worldwide, renowned for its shocking and gruesome narrative that pushes the boundaries of classical music.
The album spans a duration of 1 hour and 31 minutes, featuring a complete performance of the one-act opera. Strauss's score is a tour de force, characterized by its rich orchestration and the iconic, dissonant climax that has left an indelible mark on 20th-century music. The opera's libretto, a German translation of Wilde's original, is brought to life by a cast of exceptional vocalists, accompanied by the Berlin Philharmonic under the direction of Zubin Mehta.
"Salome" is not just an opera; it is a journey through the darker recesses of human desire and obsession. The story unfolds at a banquet hosted by King Herod, where Princess Salome, bored by the festivities, becomes entranced by the prophet Jochanaan (John the Baptist), who is imprisoned by Herod. Her fixation leads to a series of events culminating in a dance that seals her fate and those around her. The opera's power lies in its ability to convey the psychological depth and moral complexity of its characters, making it a compelling listen from start to finish.
This recording, part of the 20C series by Decca, captures the essence of Strauss's vision with clarity and precision. The performances by Eva Marton as Salome, Karl Markus as Jochanaan, and Peter Maus as Herod are particularly noteworthy, bringing a sense of urgency and passion to their roles. The album also includes the famous "Dance of the Seven Veils," a moment that epitomizes the opera's blend of sensuality and tragedy.
For fans of classical music and opera enthusiasts, "Salome" is a testament to Richard Strauss's genius and his enduring influence on the genre. The album's historical significance, coupled with its dramatic narrative and musical brilliance, makes it a standout addition to any collection. Whether you are a seasoned opera aficionado or a newcomer to the world of classical music, "Salome" offers an unforgettable experience that highlights the timeless appeal of Strauss's work.
Tracks
Salome, Op. 54: "Wie schön ist die Prinzessin" (Narraboth, Pageen)Richard Strauss, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Fritz Reiner, Brian Sullivan, Hertha Glaz, Metropolitan Opera Chorus
Salome, Op. 54: "Nach mir wird einer kommen" (Jochanaanen, Cappadozier)Richard Strauss, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Fritz Reiner, Hans Hotter, Metropolitan Opera Chorus
Salome, Op. 54: "Ich will nicht bleiben" (Salome, Page)Richard Strauss, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Fritz Reiner, Ljuba Welitsch, Hertha Glaz
Salome, Op. 54: "Siehe, der Herr ist gekommen" (Jochanaan, Salome, Narraboth)Richard Strauss, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Fritz Reiner, Hans Hotter, Ljuba Welitsch, Brian Sullivan
Salome, Op. 54: "Du wirst das für mich tun" (Salome, Narraboth)Richard Strauss, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Fritz Reiner, Ljuba Welitsch, Brian Sullivan
Salome, Op. 54: "Wo ist er, dessen Sündenbecher" (Jochanaan, Salome, Narraboth)Richard Strauss, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Fritz Reiner, Hans Hotter, Ljuba Welitsch, Brian Sullivan
Salome, Op. 54: "Es ist schrecklich" (Salome, Narraboth, Jochanaan)Richard Strauss, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Fritz Reiner, Ljuba Welitsch, Brian Sullivan, Hans Hotter
Salome, Op. 54: "Jochanaan! Ich bin verliebt" (Salome, Jochanaan)Richard Strauss, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Fritz Reiner, Ljuba Welitsch, Hans Hotter
Salome, Op. 54: "Zurück, Tochter Sodoms" (Jochanaan, Salome)Richard Strauss, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Fritz Reiner, Hans Hotter, Ljuba Welitsch
Salome, Op. 54: "Niemals, Tochter Babylons" (Jochanaan, Salome, Narraboth)Richard Strauss, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Fritz Reiner, Hans Hotter, Ljuba Welitsch, Brian Sullivan
Salome, Op. 54: "Wo ist Salome?" (Herodes, Herodias)Richard Strauss, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Fritz Reiner, Set Svanholm, Elisabeth Höngen
Salome, Op. 54: "Salome, komm, trink Wein mit mir" (Herodes, Salome, Herodias)Richard Strauss, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Fritz Reiner, Set Svanholm, Ljuba Welitsch, Elisabeth Höngen
Salome, Op. 54: "Siehe, die Zeit ist gekommen" (Jochanaan, Herodias, Herodes, Juden, Nazarener)Richard Strauss, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Fritz Reiner, Hans Hotter, Elisabeth Höngen, Set Svanholm, Metropolitan Opera Chorus
Salome, Op. 54: "Siehe der Tag ist nahe" (Jochanaan, Herodias, Nazarener, Juden, Herodias)Richard Strauss, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Fritz Reiner, Hans Hotter, Elisabeth Höngen, Nazarener, Metropolitan Opera Chorus
Salome, Op. 54: "Tanz für mich, Salome" (Herodes, Herodias, Salome, Jochanaan)Richard Strauss, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Fritz Reiner, Set Svanholm, Elisabeth Höngen, Ljuba Welitsch, Hans Hotter
Salome, Op. 54: Salomes TanzRichard Strauss, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Salome, Op. 54: "Ah! Herrlich! Wundervoll" (Herodes, Salome, Herodias)Richard Strauss, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Fritz Reiner, Set Svanholm, Ljuba Welitsch, Elisabeth Höngen
Salome, Op. 54: "Salome, ich beschwöre dich" (Herodes, Salome, Herodias)Richard Strauss, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Fritz Reiner, Set Svanholm, Ljuba Welitsch, Elisabeth Höngen
Salome, Op. 54: "Salome, bedenk, was du tun willst" (Herodes, Salome, Herodias)Richard Strauss, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Fritz Reiner, Set Svanholm, Ljuba Welitsch, Elisabeth Höngen
Salome, Op. 54: "Wer hat meinen Ring genommen" (Herodes, Herodias)Richard Strauss, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Fritz Reiner, Set Svanholm, Elisabeth Höngen
Salome, Op. 54: "Es ist kein Laut zu vernehmen" (Salome)Richard Strauss, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Fritz Reiner, Ljuba Welitsch
Salome, Op. 54: "Ah! Du wolltest mich nicht" (Salome)Richard Strauss, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Fritz Reiner, Ljuba Welitsch
Salome, Op. 54: "Ah! Warum hast du mich" (Salome)Richard Strauss, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Fritz Reiner, Ljuba Welitsch
Salome, Op. 54: "Sie ist ein Ungeheuer" (Herodes, Herodias)Richard Strauss, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Fritz Reiner, Set Svanholm, Elisabeth Höngen
Salome, Op. 54: "Ah! Ich habe deinen Mund geküsst" (Salome, Herodes)Richard Strauss, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Fritz Reiner, Ljuba Welitsch, Set Svanholm
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