Immerse yourself in the rich, dramatic world of Richard Strauss with this captivating album, released on February 1, 2014, by Praga Digitals. This collection showcases the composer's mastery of orchestral and operatic genres, offering a compelling journey through some of his most renowned works.
The album opens with "Don Juan, Op. 20," a tone poem that vividly depicts the legendary figure's amorous adventures. Following this is "Tod und Verklärung, Op. 24," a profound symphonic poem that explores themes of death and transcendence. The playful and mischievous "Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche, Op. 28" provides a lighter contrast, inspired by the legendary pranks of the folkloric figure Till Eulenspiegel.
The final piece on the album is the deeply moving "Vier letzte Lieder, TrV 296," a set of four songs that Strauss composed near the end of his life. These songs, with their lush orchestration and poignant melodies, offer a reflective and introspective conclusion to the album.
Performing these works is a stellar lineup of artists, including Wilhelm Furtwängler and the Wiener Philharmoniker, whose interpretations bring out the depth and nuance of Strauss's compositions. With a total runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes, this album is a testament to Strauss's enduring legacy and his ability to evoke a wide range of emotions through his music. Whether you're a longtime fan of classical music or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
Vinylscout