Review of Salome

This is certainly the greatest video of this incomparable opera. It is shot to playback, as most filmed musicals are, and it makes a decent case for this practice. True, you're not actually seeing and hearing a performance live, but it allows the viewer the intimacy of editing choices, camera movement, and closeups which still cannot be accomplished in even the Met in HD performances (although they've gotten so much better than in past decades). Plus, the lighting and camerawork in this and Gotz Friedrich's exceptional film of "Elektra" are state of the art. But, all this would be for naught if the performances and musical direction were less than par. The great singing actress Teresa Stratas is unbeatable in this role. She creates a thoroughly riveting portrayal of the ultimate spoiled sexualized adolescent of Wilde's creation. Of course, her singing is beyond reproach. Finally, you just can't take your eyes off of her feral feline Salome. She is supported by a peerless cast, and brilliant conducting from Karl Bohm and the great Vienna Philharmonic. Image and sound are near perfect. This is the "Salome" to own on Home Video.