Your Reaction: What did you think of Strauss's Salome 2018?

This article has 9 comments

1. T S responded on 10 January 2018 at 2:36pm Reply

   I think the dancing bit could have been better.

2. Juliet Chaplin responded on 14 January 2018 at 10:50pm Reply

   Salome is one of my favourite operas and I have seen it many times at ROH; this is the fourth production I have seen. Musically it was wonderful with Malin Bystrom and Michael Volle outstanding. There are many good things in the fussy production but I still can't take it seriously, particularly the 20th century setting and no costume at all for the executioner. How about following the composer's stage directions?

3. John Mathers responded on 18 January 2018 at 12:31pm Reply

   Very powerful by all singers and the orchestra was magnificent in Strauss's overwhelming music. Malin Bystrom gave a great performance: she's a terrific actress as well as voice. Frankly, I thought the nudity was all a bit inhibited and static. What is it about the British and nudity? Are we all snowflakes? The "naked servant girls" weren't being tortured, but being bored to inaction. The famous dance is a physchobabble cop out too. But, I loved the blood!

4. Robin Smith responded on 21 January 2018 at 11:54pm Reply

   Just superb tonight, Sunday January 21st. Already one of the highlights of 2018 for me. Malin Bystrom magnificent, unbelievably glorious of voice and what stamina ! Orchestra and conductor (Henrik Nanasi, a new discovery for me) on inspired form. No weak links.

5. YS responded on 22 January 2018 at 9:23am Reply

   Just doesn't work. Complete dissonance between the power and energy of the music and sluggishness of everyone on stage. Lacking in chemistry and build up. Dance pretentious and amateurish.

6. Roger Taylor responded on 22 January 2018 at 9:42am Reply

   We saw this on Sunday 21st. What a fantastic performance and production this was. Malin Bystrom must now be the best in the world in that role. Michael Volle wonderful. I liked the way the dance of the seven veils was staged. The waltz scene complements the music.

7. Pat kay responded on 22 January 2018 at 10:39pm Reply

   Sunday night performance captivating : voices stirring and enduring, setting unnerving in recreating the horror of imprisonment and dungeons; staging suggesting the lavish partying upstairs while focus on whole production is lower level representing darkness of cruelty lascivious behavior . Looking into the dark interiors compels vision of nudity , hanging pig , question the guests and guards are Nazis . Stellar performance. Visiting from Nyc to see this opera with my friend from Ireland.

   • John Mathers responded on 2 February 2018 at 12:32pm

     "setting unnerving in recreating the horror of imprisonment and dungeons;" We must have watched a different production! It was static lazy and not a lot happening, let alone "the horror of imprisonment". The women (supposedly being "tortured" were not demonstrating any of that - they just looked plain bored and not fearful at all. John the B himself was allowed to storm and stomp as much as he liked, it seemed.

8. Geoff responded on 31 January 2018 at 12:01am Reply

   Just seen Malin Bystrom's last night. Hope she returns soon.