Hérodiade, one of Massenet's lesser-known operas, receives the full star treatment in this performance—and the investment pays off. Régine Crespin is radiant as Salomé, her silvery soprano soaring effortlessly over the orchestra before retreating into moments of hushed delicacy. Massenet's take on Hérodiade is far more nuanced than the vengeful caricature of Strauss's Herodias, and Rita Gorr rises to the challenge, revealing the character's humanity through her warm, expressive mezzo. Guy Chauvet proves why he was considered one of the great French tenors of his generation; his voice is both powerful and refined, and his delivery of the French language manages to be both stylish and sincere.