At 35, some might have considered Astrid Varnay too young to tackle the formidable role of Salome. But Varnay's career never conformed to the standard trajectory of a typical singer. Having made her Metropolitan Opera debut as Sieglinde at the age of 23, she was already a seasoned artist by the time of this performance. Here she brings remarkable intelligence and ferocity to the title role, combining staggering dramatic power with, at times, an almost bel canto approach to legato, a quality rarely heard in Strauss.

The rest of the cast is consistently strong, with Margarete Klose standing out as a magnificent Herodias. It is also worth singling out Hertha Töpper as the Page and Hans Hopf as Narraboth, both of whom would go on to enjoy legendary careers.