Jules Massenet’s Herodiade (1881) is based on Flaubert’s novel (1877), named after a biblical character – the Judaic King Herod Antipa’s second wife and Salome mother Hérodiade. However, the title of the opera shouldn’t pull the wool over your eyes – the Herodiade’s image fades into insignificance, and Salome becomes the main hero. Composer, with typical for him melodist’s skill, praise religiosity and sensuality at the same time. In Massenet’s Herodiade Salome is a dancer, invited to the palace by Herod and she is looking for her mother, with whom she was separated in childhood. She is fallen in love with John the Baptist, but he rejects the worldly love. However, on the verge of his death Jean admits that he loves Salome.
 
The Herodiade premiere was planned to be at Grand Opera in Paris, however, the composer’s planes were destined to fail. Auguste-Emmanuel Vaucorbeil reported of the opera libretto as an “inflammatory”. The Hérodiade premiere was presented at the Theatre Royal de la Monnaie in Brussels in 1881. The opera was a great success and 50 performances were given.
 
Massenet created a piece of unbelievable beauty and charm, melancholy and tender languor. Salome’s love to Jean is full of warmth, affection and grief. The peculiar colour is added by choral pieces and dances in an “orient style”.
 
The Flaubert’s novel later inspired English writer Oscar Wilde to write one act drama Salome in French. On the European stage this production had “succes de scandale”. At the beginning of the 1903 Strauss saw the piece. And his innovative musical drama Salome left the lyrical Massenet’s piece in the shade for a long time. Hérodiade is rarely performed in Russia. The Epiphany Festival at Novaya Opera gives you the unique opportunity to hear it.

Synopsis

Act 1

In a courtyard outside Hérode's palace in Jerusalem. After a short introduction merchants are seen arguing; they are calmed by Phanuel who urges co-operation with the Romans. Salomé enters, desperately seeking her mother Hérodiade, who sent her away when she married King Hérode. Salomé is also looking for the prophet Jean with whom she had found comfort in her absence from the city. Hérode has a passion for Salomé and comes from the palace. He is joined by his wife Hérodiade who asks him to act against Jean, who has insulted her; when Hérode, aware of Jean’s following, refuses, she vows to be avenged by herself. As she curses the prophet, Jean himself enters and the royal pair withdraw in fear. Salomé vows her love to Jean but he only speaks of a greater love, and new faith.

Act 2

First tableau: Hérode's chambers Slaves dance in order to divert the sleepless Hérode. Hérode next takes a philtre which gives him visions of his Salomé. Phanuel tells the king that the people are calling for the Messiah and acclaim Jean. Hérode however is sure he will defeat the Romans and win his subjects over again.
Second tableau: The palace in Jerusalem Hérode calls the people to arms against Jerusalem's Roman masters. The Roman consul Vitellius appears and promises to respect the faith of the Israelites and open the temple. Jean, preceded by a joyful crowd and followed by Salomé passes by. Hérodiade notices the reaction of her husband at the sight of the young woman and accuses Jean of wanting to seize power.

Act 3

First tableau: The house of Phanuel Phanuel asks heaven to say whether Jean is mortal or divine. Hérodiade visits the priest and consults Phanuel who foresees great suffering, while the queen refuses to recognize her daughter in the young woman.
Second tableau: The Holy Temple Jean has been arrested. Salomé arrives, exhausted, at the prison. Hérode wishes to release Jean in exchange for help in getting the Galileans to help him fight the Romans. Seeing Salomé, he declares his love but she rejects him, saying that she loves one who is greater and stronger than he. Not knowing who she means, Hérode threatens Jean and Salomé with death. The priests intercede with Vitellius and ask him to condemn Jean, but the consul gives responsibility for the execution to Hérode. Jean refuses to assist the king. Salomé asks to share her fate with that of the prophet – at this Hérode realises whom she loves and condemns them both to death.

Act 4

First tableau: A subterranean vault Jean, awaiting death in prison questions his soul. Salomé joins him. Jean is led away to execution while Salomé is taken to the king, who has decided to pardon her.
Second tableau: The great hall in the palace Dances celebrate the Roman victory. Salomé begs Hérodiade to allow her to die alongside Jean, as it was he who looked after her when her mother abandoned her. Hérodiade remains silent. The executioner announces the death of Jean. Salomé draws a dagger and tries to kill the queen, who admits that she is her mother. In despair, Salomé stabs herself and curses Hérodiade.