Wieslaw Ochman

Is there anything new to say about Zdzisław Beksiński? Grzegorz Gajewski, who has been associated with the Beksiński family for many years, proves the point. His latest is a multi-dimensional portrait of the Master, crafted from the voices of those closest to him.

This filmed version of Strauss' shocker features Teresa Stratas as opera's most depraved teenager, and she's as perfect a Salome as one would ever hope to see or hear. Stratas inhabits the role, exploring the character's sensuousness as she vainly woos Jochanaan, her venomous hatred when she's rejected, the crazed look in her eyes when she demands his head--on a silver platter, no less. Such complete identification with a role, especially of a character so malignant helps make this 1974 Salome stand out among the many fine DVDs of the opera.

Lehar romantic operetta set in Russia about a beautiful dancer who is set up to attract a tsar's son, and they fall in love. Beautiful settings and wonderful music.