After a pivotal encounter with Franz Liszt’s symphonic poems, the young Richard Strauss found his first sweeping success in that genre. More or less the antithesis of a symphony—as in Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms—the symphonic, or “tone” poem, takes as its subject matter, not just an abstract musical theme, but something...
Death and Transfiguration, Op. 24, TrV 158
It is difficult, indeed, to think of a composer more possessed of an overweening ego than that of Richard Strauss (other than that of Wagner, that is). Thankfully, his was not malicious, and was to some degree justified. Strauss is almost unique in that his long life (unlike that of, say, Verdi) spanned remarkable...
Don Juan, op. 20, TrV 156
It is difficult, indeed, to think of a composer more possessed of an overweening ego than that of Richard Strauss (other than that of Wagner, that is). Thankfully, his was not malicious, and was to some degree justified. Strauss is almost unique in that his long life (unlike that of, say, Verdi) spanned remarkable...
Four Last Songs, TrV 296
Richard Strauss lived a long and productive life, striding across the musical landscape of Europe from teenage success to triumph in old age. He was the son of a prominent musician, one of the world’s great horn players, and wrote works in his youth that are still performed and admired. He married a well-respected soprano, had children who loved him, and enjoyed a warm, stable family life. ...
Oboe Concerto in D Major, TrV 292
Richard Strauss lived a long and productive life, striding across the musical landscape of Europe from teenage success to triumph in old age. He was the son of a prominent musician (one of the world’s great horn players), and wrote works in his youth that are still performed and admired. He married a well-respected...
Serenade in Eb, op. 7, TrV 106
As long as there have been garden soirées, outdoor wedding receptions, and patio cocktail parties, there have been ample opportunities for casual entertainment by small instrumental ensembles. A “serenade,” of course, has its origin as solo song of dedication, sung outdoors, and often accompanied by the singer on a guitar...
Suite from Der Rosenkavalier, op. 59, TrV 227
Richard Strauss lived a long and productive life, striding across the musical landscape of Europe from teenage success to triumph in old age. He was the son of a prominent musician, one of the world’s great horn players, and wrote works in his youth that are still performed and admired. He married a well-respected...
Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche, op. 28 TrV 171
A precocious musician, Strauss benefitted from an outstanding family life that was immersed in music. He studied musical composition early on, was well grounded in all aspects of harmony, form, and orchestration, and participated in the orchestras that his father, the eminent horn player, conducted. By his teens a series of youthful symphonic works were pouring from his pen: concert overtures...