Inge Borkh (1917-2018) was a German-born dramatic soprano, one of the most vivid singing actresses of the post-war era. She was especially admired in Strauss, Wagner and modern repertory.

In the Pristine catalogue she appears in Richard Strauss’s Salome under Joseph Keilberth, alongside Hans Hotter and Max Lorenz.

Borkh’s singing combined vocal voltage, theatrical intelligence and psychological intensity. Salome is a role that needs danger in the voice as well as notes in the throat.

Her page is essential despite a compact catalogue footprint. Borkh brings a blade of dramatic soprano light to the Strauss shelf.