Richard Strauss's Opera Salome
Plot Synopsis and Character Description of German Drama
Salome, a German dramatic opera by Richard Strauss: opera plot synopsis, character description, and other Richard Strauss opera information.
German composer Richard Strauss's Salome is arguably considered the first modern opera and his first major operatic success. The theme of the story is obsession: Herod, with Salome; Salome, with Jokanaan; and Jokanaan, with God.
The opera's music is gripping – perversion, evil, cruelty. The contrast is felt as moonlight diffuses the palace terrace. The orchestra is brilliant especially in the string section. The setting is Israel, on a terrace off the banquet hall of Herod's palace.
- Composer: Richard Strauss (1864-1949)
- Composed: (1904-1905)
- Libretto: By Richard Strauss based on Oscar Wilde's tragedy play, Salomé (1893)
- Language: German.
- First performance: Königliches Opernhaus, Dresden, December 9, 1905.
Main Characters in Salome
- Herod, King of Judea (tenor)
- Herodias, Lover of Herod, (mezzo soprano)
- Salome, Herodias' daughter (soprano)
- Jokanaan (John the Baptist), Prophet and prisoner
- Narraboth, Young Syrian captain of the guard (tenor)
- Group of Jews
- Group of Nazarenes
Plot Summary (Synopsis)
Act 1
Herod arranges his brother's murder because he was in love with his brother's wife, Herodias, later, he desires Salome, her young daughter. Jokanaan the prophet predicts the ruin of Herod's kingdom.
Herod imprisons Jokanaan, forbidding Narraboth to release him.
As the opera begins, Herod celebrates his birthday in his palace. From a moonlit terrace, Narraboth is captivated by Salome's beauty. So does Herod. As Salome escapes Herod's lustful stares, a voice holds her spellbound. It is the imprisoned Jokanaan, who calls for the Messiah. Salome persuades Narraboth to defy orders and fetch the prisoner.
Jokanaan appears. Salome is first repulsed, then drawn to him.
As she lusts for the prophet, Narraboth, in despair, stabs himself to death. The prophet rejects Salome's advances. But she pleads for his kiss. Jokanaan is returned to his cell. Salome swears that she will kiss his mouth.
Herod bursts onto the terrace and tries to lure Salome. Herodias begs Herod to hand over the prisoner to the Jews, but Herod refuses to endanger the "holy man." A group of Jews argues that Jokanaan is no prophet, but the Nazarenes disagree, reminding all of the Messiah's miracles. Herod frets to learn that this man/Messiah is able to raise the dead, and asks where he is. A Nazarene offers unsettling news: He is everywhere.
Herod begs Salome to dance for him. In exchange, he promises her anything she wishes. Ignoring her mother's objections, Salome dances the 'Dance of the Seven Veils.' Delighted, Herod asks what Salome desires. She insistently asks for Jokanaan's head on a silver platter. Herod was hesitant at first, eventually consents.
Salome listens for Jokanaan's cries but is tortured to hear nothing. When the head is delivered, Herod recoils. Herodias is pleased. The Nazarenes kneel to pray. Salome triumphantly kisses Jokanaan's mouth. As Herod departs, a black cloud hides the moon. In darkness, Salome notes the bitter taste of Jokanaan's mouth. Suddenly, with Salome flooded in light, Herod commands his soldiers to kill her. Soldiers crush her with their shields.
Operas by Richard Strauss
- Salome 1905
- Elektra 1909
- Der Rosenkavakier 1911
- Arabella 1932
Primary Source
Opera by Alan Riding and L.D. Downer, DK (2006)
