BWW Reviews: Sensational SALOME Seduces Carnegie Hall Audience

At a time when we're bombarded by lurid stories--in books, newspapers, television and film--it is a tribute to Richard Strauss's SALOME, first performed in 1905, that it has lost none of its impact and ability to shock. The opera is sensational in every sense of the word, particularly in a performance as intense as the one given by the Vienna State Opera and Vienna Philharmonic on Saturday night at Carnegie Hall, conducted by Andris Nelsons.

Glowering and shimmering

What a smashing performance this was, from top to bottom! German soprano Gun-Brit Barkmin was thrilling in the title role, purring, glowering and shimmering through every inch of Strauss's astounding score. It didn't matter that every note was not pitch perfect-only that you believed in her, every minute. She soared over the orchestra--no small task with the monumental sound they project--and was the center of attention, even though she was perched with the other singers at the far sides of the stage.

A powerful cast

The other principals were equally riveting in this tale of lust-versus-faith in the land of Judea.

As Jochanaan, better known as John the Baptist, Polish bass-baritone Tomasz Konieczny (stepping in for the indisposed Falk Struckmann) was hidden from view at his entrance to the opera, as a prisoner in a cistern, but there was nothing "off-stage" about his presence. His powerful, sonorous voice was stunning.

German Gerhard A. Siegel brought unusual qualities and a piercing tenor to the role of Herod, the tetrarch of Judea, almost managing to make him a sympathetic character--at least in comparison to Salome and to his wife, Herodias, her vile mother. Veteran American mezzo Jane Henschel was over the top as Herodias--almost demented as she eggs on her daughter--and made it clear the she was Salome's role model.

In the smaller role of Narraboth, Captain of the Guard and infatuated with the princess, Mexican tenor Carlos Osuna had a bright and ardent sound, while German mezzo Ulrike Helzel made a striking impression at the start of the opera, as the Page.

The orchestra ablaze

Nelsons seemed to have lit a torch under the orchestra. Although there was nuance as well as majesty in the music of Jochanaan, for the most part this was a bold, ecstatic performance of an amazing score. The orchestra blew the roof off with "The Dance of the Seven Veils." Still, if I had one complaint, it would be that the orchestra never seemed to fade into the background; the sound was always front and center, exacerbated by the placement of the soloists. That's quibbling, though, in a performance as exciting as this one.

Vienna State Opera: We're glad you made the trip. Come back anytime.

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Photo: Gun-Brit Barkmin as Salome and Carlos Osuna as Narraboth, Vienna State Opera / Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Carnegie Hall, 3/1/14 .

Photo by Chris Lee.

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