Immerse yourself in the dark allure and scandalous drama of Richard Strauss's "Salome," a gripping opera in one act that remains as provocative today as it was upon its premiere. This 1995 recording, released by Decca Music Group Ltd., presents the original version of Strauss's masterful score, based on Oscar Wilde's infamous play and adapted into German by Hedwig Lachmann.
Strauss's "Salome" is a powerful exploration of obsession, lust, and innocence corrupted, set to a lush and dramatic orchestral score. The opera's infamous climax, Salome's Dance of the Seven Veils, is a tour de force of sensuality and depravity, brought to life with stunning intensity in this recording.
The album features a stellar cast, with renowned bass-baritone Bryn Terfel delivering a commanding performance. The opera's shocking narrative unfolds over the course of 100 minutes, with each scene building upon the last to create a tense and gripping atmosphere.
This recording of "Salome" is a testament to Richard Strauss's genius and his ability to push the boundaries of musical and dramatic expression. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or new to the genre, this album offers a captivating and unforgettable experience. The intricate orchestration and powerful vocals bring to life the scandalous tale of Salome, making it a standout piece in Strauss's impressive repertoire.
Salome, Op. 54 - original version - Scene 1: "Wie schön ist die Prinzessin Salome heute Nacht!"Richard Strauss, Kim Begley, Randi Stene, Frode Olsen, Wiener Philharmoniker, Christoph von Dohnányi
Salome, Op. 54 - original version - Scene 1: "Nach mir wird Einer kommen"Richard Strauss, Bryn Terfel, Frode Olsen, Georg Paucker, Walter Zeh, Wiener Philharmoniker, Christoph von Dohnányi
Salome, Op. 54 - original version - Scene 2: "Ich will nicht bleiben"Richard Strauss, Catherine Malfitano, Randi Stene, Wiener Philharmoniker, Christoph von Dohnányi
Salome, Op. 54 - original version - Scene 2: "Siehe, der Herr ist gekommen"Richard Strauss, Bryn Terfel, Catherine Malfitano, Georg Paucker, Kim Begley, Rannveig Braga, Frode Olsen, Wiener Philharmoniker, Christoph von Dohnányi
Salome, Op. 54 - original version - Scene 2: "Jauchze nicht, du Land Palästina"Richard Strauss, Bryn Terfel, Catherine Malfitano, Georg Paucker, Frode Olsen, Randi Stene, Wiener Philharmoniker, Christoph von Dohnányi
Salome, Op. 54 - original version - Scene 2: "Du wirst das für mich tun"Richard Strauss, Catherine Malfitano, Kim Begley, Wiener Philharmoniker, Christoph von Dohnányi
Salome, Op. 54 - original version - Scene 3: Wo ist er...Er ist schrecklich...Wer ist dieses WeibRichard Strauss, Bryn Terfel, Catherine Malfitano, Kim Begley, Wiener Philharmoniker, Christoph von Dohnányi
Salome, Op. 54 - original version - Scene 3: Jochanaan! Ich bin verliebt...Zurück, Tochter Sodoms!Richard Strauss, Catherine Malfitano, Bryn Terfel, Kim Begley, Wiener Philharmoniker, Christoph von Dohnányi
Salome, Op. 54 - original version - Scene 3: Wird dir nicht bange...Laß mich deinen Mund küssenRichard Strauss, Bryn Terfel, Catherine Malfitano, Wiener Philharmoniker, Christoph von Dohnányi
Salome, Op. 54 - original version - Scene 4: "Wo ist Salome?"Richard Strauss, Kenneth Riegel, Hanna Schwarz, Frode Olsen, Wiener Philharmoniker, Christoph von Dohnányi
Salome, Op. 54 - original version - Scene 4: Es ist kalt hierRichard Strauss, Kenneth Riegel, Hanna Schwarz, Wiener Philharmoniker, Christoph von Dohnányi
Salome, Op. 54 - original version - Scene 4: "Salome, komm, trink Wein mit mir"Richard Strauss, Kenneth Riegel, Catherine Malfitano, Hanna Schwarz, Wiener Philharmoniker, Christoph von Dohnányi
Salome, Op. 54 - original version - Scene 4: "Siehe, die Zeit ist gekommen"Richard Strauss, Bryn Terfel, Hanna Schwarz, Kenneth Riegel, Wiener Philharmoniker, Christoph von Dohnányi
Salome, Op. 54 - original version - Scene 4: "Wahrhaftig, Herr, es wäre besser, ihn in unsre Hände zu geben!"Richard Strauss, Uwe Peper, Uwe Schonbeck, Kenneth Riegel, Robin Leggate, Ferdinand Seiler, Andreas Kohn, Hanna Schwarz, Peter DeRose, Wiener Philharmoniker, Christoph von Dohnányi
Salome, Op. 54 - original version - Scene 4: "Siehe, der Tah ist nahe"Richard Strauss, Bryn Terfel, Kenneth Riegel, Peter DeRose, Uwe Peper, Hanna Schwarz, Martin Gantner, Wiener Philharmoniker, Christoph von Dohnányi
Salome, Op. 54 - original version - Scene 4: "Eine Menge Menschen wird sich gegen sie sammeln"Richard Strauss, Bryn Terfel, Hanna Schwarz, Kenneth Riegel, Wiener Philharmoniker, Christoph von Dohnányi
Salome, Op. 54 - original version - Scene 4: "Tanz für Mich, Salome"Richard Strauss, Kenneth Riegel, Hanna Schwarz, Catherine Malfitano, Bryn Terfel, Wiener Philharmoniker, Christoph von Dohnányi
Salome, Op. 54 - original version - Scene 4: Salome's Dance of the Seven VeilsRichard Strauss, Wiener Philharmoniker, Christoph von Dohnányi
Salome, Op. 54 - original version - Scene 4: "Ah! Herrlich! Wundervoll, wundervoll!"Richard Strauss, Kenneth Riegel, Catherine Malfitano, Hanna Schwarz, Wiener Philharmoniker, Christoph von Dohnányi
Salome, Op. 54 - original version - Scene 4: Still, sprich nicht zu mir!Richard Strauss, Kenneth Riegel, Catherine Malfitano, Hanna Schwarz, Wiener Philharmoniker, Christoph von Dohnányi
Salome, Op. 54 - original version - Scene 4: "Salome, bedenk, was du tun willst"Richard Strauss, Kenneth Riegel, Uwe Schonbeck, Catherine Malfitano, Robin Leggate, Ferdinand Seiler, Andreas Kohn, Wiener Philharmoniker, Christoph von Dohnányi
Salome, Op. 54 - original version - Scene 4: "Man soll ihr geben, was sie verlangt!"Richard Strauss, Kenneth Riegel, Hanna Schwarz, Wiener Philharmoniker, Christoph von Dohnányi
Salome, Op. 54 - original version - Scene 4: "Es ist kein Laut zu vernehmen"Richard Strauss, Catherine Malfitano, Wiener Philharmoniker, Christoph von Dohnányi
Salome, Op. 54 - original version - Scene 4: "Ah! Du wolltest mich nicht deinen Mund"Richard Strauss, Catherine Malfitano, Wiener Philharmoniker, Christoph von Dohnányi
Salome, Op. 54 - original version - Scene 4: "Sie ist ein Ungeheuer, deine Tochter"Richard Strauss, Kenneth Riegel, Hanna Schwarz, Wiener Philharmoniker, Christoph von Dohnányi
Salome, Op. 54 - original version - Scene 4: "Ah! Ich habe deinen Mund geküsst, Jochanaan"Richard Strauss, Catherine Malfitano, Kenneth Riegel, Wiener Philharmoniker, Christoph von Dohnányi
Richard Strauss, born in Munich in 1864, stands as one of the most influential composers of the late Romantic and early modern eras. Renowned for his powerful tone poems and operas, Strauss's music is a testament to his mastery of orchestration and harmonic innovation. His works, such as "Der Rosenkavalier," "Salome," and "Also sprach Zarathustra," showcase his dramatic intensity and grandeur, earning him a place among the greats like Richard Wagner and Franz Liszt. Strauss's compositions, particularly his operas, are celebrated for their soaring intensity and dramatic power, making him a pivotal figure in classical music. His legacy endures, captivating audiences with his profound and emotionally rich musical narratives.