Among German composer Richard Strauss'' operas, "Salome" receives merit for its modern tones and brilliant orchestration. In fact, scholars call it the first modern opera. Although brief in length, its orchestrated breadth is marvelous in both complementing notes and contrasting tones, often sounded at the same times.
Upon its debut, in spite of numerous curtain calls, "Salome" detractors denounced it as a horror filled with lust, depravity and incest. Even worse, the ending brought necrophilia to the stage that some reported as the "act of which no one speaks."
The story of "Salome" was not new when playwright Oscar Wilde first brought it to the stage as a one-act play. It, too, was met with controversy and many theaters banned the production. When Hedwig Lachmann translated the play into German, Strauss felt an immediate fascination for the flawed characters and the possibility of high drama. He took the literal translation from Wilde''s interpretation, eliminating some words but changing very little of the concept.
On Dec. 9, 1905, "Salome" premiered at the Dresden Hopofer. The main cast members were indeed reluctant to take the stage. The lead deemed it unbefitting a "decent woman."
The debut cast included:
The orchestra was exceedingly large for an opera and, like other Strauss operas, took advantage of every instrument''s range and then some. Throughout the opera, musical notes are full of metaphors that represent the thoughts and actions of the cast.
After the first performance, word spread and "Salome" proved to be a success in many cultural centers of the world. In some cases, officials banned "Salome," while in others they requested drastic modifications. However, with performances in German, some attendees remained unaware of the exact intentions.
Although based on a biblical reference, there is no actual mention of the name "Salome" in the Bible. Herod did request his stepdaughter to dance and did behead John the Baptist. No indication references that the young girl was actually enchanted with John the Baptist.
The main cast of "Salome" is as follows:
Secondary parts include:
The "Salome" plot summary is simply defined, as it occurs in a 90-minute time period. The one-act opera essentially encompasses the last moments of Salome''s life.The opening occurs on an outside terrace of Herod''s palace; it is evening. Revelry comes from within as guests are celebrating the tetrarch''s birthday. Narraboth, captain of the guard, peers inside, obviously yearning for a glimpse of Salome. He is guarding a prisoner who is held in a well, or cistern. The captive, Jokanaan, also known as John the Baptist, has denounced Herod for taking Herodius as his wife.
Herod keeps the prophet imprisoned but is afraid to execute him for fear of unknown retribution. As Jokanaan speaks, the soldiers on the terrace pause to listen to his condemnations and predictions.Salome leaves the celebration in an attempt to escape the lustful stares of her stepfather. She hears the masculine tones of Jokanaan and asks to see him. She flirts with Narraboth, urging him to bring Jokanaan out, in spite of her stepfather''s orders. A page warns Narraboth that Salome is of questionable character. He is smitten by the young woman and relents. Jokanaan appears and Salome becomes immediately infatuated. She wants to kiss him, but Jokanaan repudiates her as sinful, urging her to seek redemption. Narraboth, deeply distraught at witnessing Salome''s overtures, kills himself. Salome ignores the death scene while soldiers return Jokanaan to his cell. Herod, Herodius and their guests come out on the terrace. He loses his footing in Narraboth''s blood and has a vision of unfortunate things to come. To eliminate the feeling of dread, he asks Salome to dance for him. Her mother is furious and urges her to ignore the request, which she does initially. Herod is relentless, however, and promises Salome anything if she''ll perform. Eventually, she agrees, following with the famous "Dance of the Seven Veils." At the end, lying naked at Herod''s feet, she makes her request. Salome wants Jokanaan''s head on a plate. Herod and his guests are horrified at the request of a beheading while Herodius laughs hysterically. Herod tries to give Salome other gifts, but she refuses. He gives the order by handing over a ring.Soon, the executioner appears bearing Jokanaan''s head. Salome reaches out and begins an impassioned speech that is both deriding and lustful. She kisses the lips and comments on their bitter taste. The spectators look on with disgust and fear, then many of them leave. Herod remains behind, unspeakably disturbed. He orders Salome''s death and his guards rush forward to crush her body with their shields.
Musicwithease.com (2005-2008). Salome. Retrieved January 16, 2008, from the Music With Ease Web site: http://www.musicwithease.com/strauss-salome.html.
Opera America (n.d.). Who Was Salome? Retrieved January 16, 2008, from the Opera America Web site: http://www.operaamerica.org/audiences/learningcenter/special/
salome.shtml.
Today in History (2008). 9.12.1905: Salome Scandal in Dresden. Retrieved January 16, 2008, from the Today in History Web site: 9.12.1905: Salome Scandal in Dresden.