Charles Mackerras turns in an exceptionally fine reading of Salome for Chandos' Opera in English series. His interpretation is shapely and psychologically astute, particularly fierce and dramatically charged, and the Philharmonic Orchestra plays with appropriately primal abandon; there is never a danger of things flying out of control, but the wild energy
Mackerras generates creates an almost unbearable tension. It's also a highly disciplined performance; details of orchestration emerge with wonderful clarity and precision. In other words, it's close to ideal for the outrageousness of
Strauss' opera. The vocal performances are all very fine, and some are outstanding. John Graham-Hill's Herod is especially vivid. His vocal delivery is wonderfully natural; his wheedling sounds desperately pathetic, and in his fear and rage he sounds genuinely deranged. His attempts to bargain with Salome over the reward for her dance are among the most powerful moments in the recording.
Sally Burgess is well-matched as his bitter and venomous queen.
Susan Bullock's voice doesn't always have the ideal youthful sheen for the role, but the emotions she expresses are effectively adolescent, and she sings with the necessary power to be terrifying, especially in her final scene. John Wegner makes a primitive-sounding and forceful Jokanaan. Andrew Rees' Narraboth is sweet-voiced, and he brings believable poignancy to the role. Overall, this is a Salome that stands up well to the most effective recorded versions, and the fact that it's in English makes it especially attractive for English speakers coming to the opera for the first time. Chandos' sound is clean, clear, and full, with excellent balance.