SALOME by Richard Strauss - the synopsis

The online opera guide to SALOME

Get to know the Synopsis of the opera SALOME by Richard Strauss. In a 4-minute film you will watch the most important actions. Enriched with role descriptions and informative illustrations.

Content

♪ Synopsis in 4 minutes - YouTube Video

♪ Synopsis in written words

♪ Link to the opera portrait (with interesting informations, and great Youtube Videos)

♪ Top 5 Highlights of the opera

The Synopsis of SALOME in 4 minutes

The Opera Portrait to SALOME

The link to the Opera Portrait with interesting facts and great YouTube Videos about SALOME

The written Synopsis of SALOME

The roles

Herod, Tetrarch of Judaea

Herodias, wife of the Tetrarch

Salome, Daughter of Herodias

Jochanaan, the Prophet (John the Baptist)

Narraboth, Captain of the guard

Synopsis

Herod, the Jewish king, lives with Herodias. Herodias is the former wife of his brother, whom he had killed. He celebrates his birthday in the palace. Narraboth, a captain of the palace guard, observes the celebrations. His eyes are on Salome, Herodias’ daughter from her first marriage. A page boy warns him to look at Salome so eagerly, because terrible things could happen. From the cistern sounds the voice of Jochanaan, a prophet whom Herod had arrested and imprisoned under strict guard. Jochanaan prophesies that a greater than himself will come and put an end to the vicious life.

Salome is leaving the festivities. She is disgusted by the advances of her stepfather. Narraboth tries in vain to involve Salomé in a conversation. Suddenly the voice of Jochanaan sounds. Salome is fascinated and disobeys Herod’s request to return to the banquet. She demands to see the unknown. The soldiers refuse her the wish, obeying Herodes’ strict orders not to open his dungeon. But she seduces Narraboth to do what she wants.

Salomé is fascinated. But Jochanaan does not appreciate her gaze and scourges Herodias’s sinful life. Salomé, furious with desire, wants to touch him but Jochanaan rejects her. Salome goes even further and wants to kiss his mouth. Disgusted, Jochanaan prevents Salome from touching his body. Unnoticed by the two, Narraboth kills himself. Finally, the prophet curses Salome and is brought back to the dungeon.

The company continues the feast on the terrace. Herod feels grave misgivings when he notices Narraboth’s dead body. He continues his approaches to Salome, whereupon Jochanaan’s voice resounds again. Herodias proposes to deliver him to the Jews, but Herod refuses. He wants Salome to dance for him and offers her every wish to fulfill. Salome performs the dance of the seven veils. After the dance she demands Herod to hand her the head of Jochanaan on a silver tray. Herod tries to dissuade her from it but Salome insists on the deal. On Herod’s orders, guards leave and appear a little later with head and bowl. Salome enters into a dialogue with Jochanaan’s head. After she kisses his mouth, Herod orders “Destroy this woman.”

The Top 5 highlights of SALOME

Wo ist er, dessen Sündenbecher jetzt voll ist - Terfel / Studer

Niemals, Tochter Babylons, Tochter Sodoms - Studer

Siehe, der Tag ist nahe

Tanz der 7 Schleier - Byström

Schlussszene - Welitsch/Reiner

Peter Lutz, opera inside, the online opera guide to SALOME, by Richard Strauss.

This post is also available in: German