Search - R. Strauss, Dohnanyi :: Salome

A Cool Character

01/31/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Because of the relatively minimalist playing of the Vienna Philharmonic, I think I can safely call this the coolest character of any "Salome" recording. However, I get the feeling that Dohnanyi was trying to accentuate the affinities between "Salome" and its more modern descendants (such as "Lulu"), while downplaying its Romantic, Wagnerian origins. Despite the relative sang froid of this version, the coolness actually seems to make some sections shimmer and writhe with a white hot intensity, especially during the final scene. The two leads are well-cast. Catherine Malfitano is superb in the title role, actually sounding like a sixteen-year-old princess experiencing her sexual (perhaps even spiritual) awakening after having lived for years with her Machiavellian mother and lecherous stepfather/uncle. Bryn Terfel makes a solid Jochanaan, although his portrayal does not resemble the raving religious fanatic found on other recordings. This Jochanaan seems more sympathetic, especially in the section where he tells Salome to seek Jesus on the Sea of Galilee.Despite the general coolness of this "Salome," it does offer great aural rewards, especially during the climaxes dotted throughout the opera. The "blue" (in more ways than one) cover artwork captures the essence of what one will experience while listening to this seminal operatic work. -Jason Neal"

A wonderful performance.

Ms. A. A. Lawrence | Paisley, Scotland | 11/16/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was in the enviable position of being present at the actual recording sessions of this CD,in April 1994 in Vienna, as I was working as Ms Malfitano's nanny at the time. The whole atmosphere was electric and this comes across in droves in the recording. The cast, in my belief, is superlative. The sheer size and power of Bryn as Johanaan and Catherine as Salome never bettered. I was also luck enough to be present at the performances at Covent Garden which form the basis of the DVD. If you buy only one Salome this is the one I would definitely recommend on CD and DVD."

A Superb Salome But Not The Best On Record

Ms. A. A. Lawrence | 12/26/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Let's get the negative part out of the way. While I admire Catherine Malfitano's performances (especially as Tosca and Antonia in Tales of Hoffman)I feel that Salome is not the right role for her. I did see both her Salomes on stage, which were superior to this recording. She had real stage presence, her acting was outstanding as the depraved and mentally deranged Salome. Bryn Terfel as John the Baptist is exceptional, sounding lyrical and stentorian without becoming the "raving prophet" some baritones appear to become. Bryn Terfel sings beautifully and with command. Too bad Anja Silja is not the Herodias in this recording as she is a magnificent soprano who in her own time sang superb Salomes. The good parts- this is a fine, "minimalist" feeling Salome with great climaxes in the right places. The conductor Donahi is doing the best he can. A worthwhile recording but not the best. For the ultimate Salome look for the Leonie Rysanek recordings."