SALOME

Strauss
Original Air Date: 02/17/1962
Rosenstock; Lewis, Vinay, Thebom, Cassel, Olvis
SID.19320212
Brenda Lewis has two Met Salomes, this broadcast, and an appearance three months later on tour in Dallas with Liebl for Vinay, and Morley Meredith for Cassel. Nilsson’s recording with Solti had appeared about a month before the Dallas performance, and I had fairly devoured the recording listening to its many felicities dozens of times ( and to be rewarded with three performances with Nilsson three years later in New York). Lewis had done yeoman work at NYCO, and premiered Blitzstein’s Regina and Beeson’s Lizzie Borden (which I did see years later). The broadcast mikes do not paint a pretty picture of Lewis’ efforts. If this is going to be offered in rotation (and I am glad it is), then we must bring on other notable afternoons like the Moffo Lucia, 2/1/69. Nilsson’s inimitable recording had come out only a few weeks before the Dallas performances, and it was like two worlds apart. Three years later Nilsson brought her live Salome to the Met. That is on Met Player, and cannot be recommended highly enough.