Dance of the Seven Veils from Salome - ZOMS-A040 | Music

Oscar Wilde, author of Salome, described the scene simply as "Salome dances seven veils’ dance." Though the goal is seduction of her stepfather King Herod, Salome’s actions aren’t overtly erotic, at least initially. A manic introduction in the score is halted by the dancer, who begins again with a languid, deliberate act of attrition, as the orchestra presents heavily ornamented long tones, interspersed with waltzes and teasing melismas. Salome’s tempo gradually increases as she sheds her veils in a final frenzy, then collapses as though in exhaustion. After a moment’s pause, she rises again to throw herself at Herod’s feet in triumph.

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