There was enormous excitement when Felicia Weathers burst onto the operatic landscape, and for good reason. She possessed a voice of stunning beauty, as well as a dramatic thrust that made her an appealing choice for some of the more demanding roles in the soprano repertoire. Sadly, her career would serve as a cautionary tale of a young singer taking on dramatic roles too soon, as the promise of her talent didn't translate to a long career. This performance of Salome, which she sang at only 27, offers a glimpse into her early genius. The voice is luscious and brims with innocence and sensuality. Occasionally, however, in some of the more dramatic moments, one senses that she may be pushing slightly beyond her vocal means.

One can only imagine what her career might have held had she delayed taking on these roles in favor of Mozart and early Verdi during these crucial formative years. Nevertheless, we are fortunate to have this performance of Salome, as there are few as beautifully sung. Fritz Uhl is an imposing Herod, bringing vocal legitimacy to the part, while a young Brigitte Fassbaender stands out as the Page.