With so many recordings of Strauss’ Salome available, choosing just one “best” version is impossible. Instead, this article looks at ten outstanding recordings — listed in no particular order — chosen for their amazing sopranos, historical importance, or sheer dramatic power.
Kurt Schröder / hr-Sinfonieorchester (Myto)
Inge Borkh is well-known for her fierce Elektra, but her Salome is just as impressive. She delivers a performance full of raw energy that keeps the tension high throughout. Of her recordings, the 1952 radio broadcast with Kurt Schröder and the Sinfonie-Orchester des Hessischen Rundfunks stands out. It has the clearest sound among her Salome recordings and captures her voice and dramatic skills at their peak.
Fritz Reiner / Metropolitan Opera Orchestra (Walhall)
Ljuba Welitsch didn’t have the biggest voice, but she brought something even rarer: a unique mix of expression and fearless interpretation. Her Salome is both wild and sophisticated — truly unforgettable. The 1949 live Met broadcast, conducted by the legendary Fritz Reiner, is essential listening. Even with the limitations of old sound technology, the performance crackles with excitement.
Clemens Krauss / Wiener Philharmoniker (Decca)
Christel Goltz was one of the greatest sopranos of her time, and her Salome is still one of the most definitive. She had a powerful, clear voice and superb diction, making her perfect for the role. Her 1954 studio recording with Clemens Krauss and the Vienna Philharmonic is her best. Krauss, who worked closely with Strauss himself, brings real insight and authenticity to the music, perfectly matching Goltz’ intense performance.
Karl Böhm / Orchester der Wiener Staatsoper (RCA)
Karl Böhm was a master at conducting Strauss, and his recordings of Salome are no exception. While his 1970 studio recording from Hamburg is polished and powerful, those who want something more raw and exciting should hear his 1972 live performance from the Vienna State Opera. Leonie Rysanek is electrifying as Salome, her dark, intense voice adding to the drama and making this version a thrilling alternative to Böhm’s studio take.
Michael Schønwandt / Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra (Chandos)
Inga Nielsen’s Salome in the 1998 Chandos studio recording sounds strikingly young and sensual. Her soft, shining voice is expressive and fits perfectly with a more innocent, girlish version of the character. Although she sometimes lacks the power needed for the biggest climaxes, her performance is still captivating. Schønwandt’s conducting is solid and effective, even if it doesn’t reach the heights of the most famous interpretations.
Christoph von Dohnányi / Wiener Philharmoniker (Decca)
Christoph von Dohnányi’s 1994 studio recording for Decca, with Catherine Malfitano in the title role, is another highlight. Malfitano, known for her daring stage performances (including a fully nude Dance of the Seven Veils), brings fearless drama to Salome. She fully embodies the character’s obsession and madness. Dohnányi’s conducting is clear and precise, bringing out the shimmering beauty of Strauss’ music.
Giuseppe Sinopoli / Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin (Deutsche Grammophon)
Cheryl Studer’s 1991 studio Salome for Deutsche Grammophon offers a fresh, more lyrical interpretation, focusing on psychological depth rather than sheer volume. Her youthful, introspective take adds new layers to the character. Sinopoli’s conducting matches her approach, delivering a performance full of intensity and clarity, emphasizing emotion over brutal force.
Herbert von Karajan / Wiener Philharmoniker (Warner)
Karajan was one of the greatest Strauss conductors, and his 1978 EMI (now Warner) recording of Salome shows why. His interpretation combines rich, beautiful sound with deep psychological insight and sharp dramatic timing. Hildegard Behrens is unforgettable as Salome, bringing a vulnerable, human quality to the role without losing any power.
Georg Solti / Wiener Philharmoniker (Decca)
Georg Solti’s 1962 studio recording for Decca remains one of the greatest Salome recordings ever made. His conducting is explosive and intense, unleashing the full force of the music while keeping every detail clear. Birgit Nilsson’s Salome is commanding and magnetic, with a steely voice that still manages to sound sensual. Thanks to excellent sound quality, this recording is a cornerstone for any Salome collection.
Daniele Gatti / Concertgebouw-Orchester (RCO Live)
Recorded live in Amsterdam during the 2017 production — whose premiere I was lucky enough to attend — Daniele Gatti’s performance leaves a strong impression. Although it doesn’t have the polish of a studio recording and the balance isn’t always perfect, the live energy more than makes up for it. Malin Byström gives a thrilling performance as Salome, blending youthful defiance with genuine psychological depth. Her final scene is breathtaking — quite simply one of the most powerful I have ever heard.
Bonus
Although Teresa Stratas never sang Salome on stage, her performance in Götz Friedrich’s 1974 film (conducted by Karl Böhm) is extraordinary. She offers a fierce, fresh take on the character: aggressive without being crude, beautiful yet never overly sweet, and deeply expressive from start to finish.
