I am happy to report this problematic staging was counterbalanced by the very high musical values. Top vocal honours went to the Jochanaan of Michael Volle. He also deserves special credit for gamely appearing almost naked for several minutes in his underwear. Replacing the original Salome of Catherine Nagelstad was British soprano Allison Oakes, who was totally indefatigable and a bit stentorian, serving up blazing top notes. Jeanne-Michele Charbonnet was a fine Herodias. Thomas Blondelle was a fresh-voiced Herod, a nice change from the many superannuated character tenors one usually encounters in this role. The downside is a lack of chemistry between him and the much older-looking Herodias. Guest conductor Alain Altinoglu led the great Deutsche Oper Orchestra with uncommon eloquence and clarity.