Richard Strauss once stated that his ideal Salome was a "16-year-old princess with the voice of Isolde." As impossible as that demand may seem, Anja Silja comes remarkably close. Although not a teenager at the time of this performance, she was still only in her mid-20s—a time when most singers are focusing on Mozart and gentler fare. But Anja Silja's career never conformed to the norm, and she proves herself a worthy Straussian in this performance from Amsterdam. Her shimmering, youthful soprano slices through the orchestra more than it soars above it, with a penetrating clarity that suits the role perfectly.

Franz Mazura's Jochanaan captures all the character's fire and brimstone, while adding a touch of sensuality.