Description
Richard Strauss: Salome - Royal Opera House (2 DVD Set)
UPC: 809478009996
Product Features
- Opera Title: Salome
- Composer: Richard Strauss (1864–1949)
- Lead Cast:Orchestra: The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
- Nadja Michael as Salome
- Thomas Moser as Herod
- Michaela Schuster as Herodias
- Michael Volle as Jokanaan
- Joseph Kaiser as Narraboth
- Conductor: Philippe Jordan
- Stage Director: David McVicar
- Design: Es Devlin
- Lighting Design: Wolfgang Göbbel
- Choreography and Movement: Andrew George
- Video Design: Leo Warner and Mark Grimmer for Fifty Nine Productions
- Subtitle Languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian
- Audio Formats: LPCM Stereo and Surround Sound
- Region: All Regions
- Format: NTSC
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Anamorphic
- Running Time: Approx. 188 minutes
- Release Year: 2008
- Extra Features:
- Illustrated synopsis
- Cast gallery
- "David McVicar: A Work in Process" documentary, featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes footage
Overview
Richard Strauss’s Salome is an intense, provocative opera based on Oscar Wilde’s play, exploring the dark and twisted tale of lust, power, and madness. The story revolves around Salome's obsession with John the Baptist (Jokanaan) and culminates in her chilling dance and ultimate demand for his head. The opera’s score is rich, sensual, and filled with tension, capturing the emotional and psychological depth of the characters.
In this 2008 production at the Royal Opera House, David McVicar stages a powerful and controversial version, drawing visual inspiration from Pier Paolo Pasolini's film "Salò", setting the opera in the decadence of a Nazi-era palace. This disturbing yet visually striking interpretation of Salome is led by Nadja Michael in the title role, whose electrifying performance captures the volatile mix of sensuality and madness. Thomas Moser portrays a morally conflicted Herod, while Michael Volle delivers a commanding performance as the imprisoned prophet Jokanaan.
This high-definition recording captures the grandeur and emotional intensity of the production, featuring remarkable set designs by Es Devlin and lighting by Wolfgang Göbbel. The orchestra, under the direction of Philippe Jordan, enhances the atmosphere with Strauss’s haunting and voluptuous score.
Interesting Facts
- David McVicar's production of Salome received widespread acclaim for its daring interpretation and striking visuals. He is known for his boundary-pushing stagings of classic operas.
- Nadja Michael, a celebrated soprano, is renowned for her portrayal of Salome, bringing both vocal power and dramatic intensity to the role.
- The Dance of the Seven Veils, one of the most iconic moments in the opera, is a symbol of both seduction and destruction in Strauss’s retelling of the biblical tale.
- Es Devlin, the set designer, is an internationally acclaimed artist known for her work across opera, theater, and concerts. Her innovative design brings a modern, provocative edge to this production.
- The extra feature documentary, "David McVicar: A Work in Process," provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the creation of this production, offering interviews with the director and cast, and giving viewers insight into the complexities of staging such a daring interpretation of Salome.
Track Listing (Acts)
- Act I: Salome’s Obsession with Jokanaan
- Act II: The Dance of the Seven Veils
- Act III: Salome’s Demand for Jokanaan’s Head
Publishers
- Produced by: Opus Arte
- Co-production: Royal Opera House Covent Garden and NHK, in association with ITV Productions and François Roussillon et Associés
Hashtags
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