Jules Massenet’s Hérodiade (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 Hérodiade’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 Hérodiade 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 Hérodiade premiere was planned to be at Grand Opéra in Paris, however, the composer’s plans were destined to fail. Auguste-Emmanuel Vaucorbeil reported of the opera libretto as an “inflammatory”. The Hérodiade premiere was presented at the Théâtre 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 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.