Strauss's Metamorphosen was initially sketched as 'Mourning over Munich' in October 1944, but he began writing the fair copy after the bombing of major opera houses in February and March 1945.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Strauss consciously titled his work Metamorphosen instead of 'Variations' to emphasize the 'constant organic proliferation' of its themes.
Compositional Technique
The Metamorphosen, a 'Study for Strings in 23 Parts', features a 'constant organic proliferation' of three themes, one of which is derived from the Funeral March of Beethoven's Third Symphony.
Composition History
Strauss's Oboe Concerto was composed at the suggestion of John de Lancie, an American occupation soldier and solo oboist of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, who was stationed in Garmisch.
Recording & Production
The recording of Metamorphosen on this album is a mono recording from October 21st, 1959, while the Oboe Concerto was recorded in March 2006.
Composition History
Strauss dedicated the Metamorphosen to the Collegium Musicum and its founder Paul Sacher, who premiered the work in Zurich on January 25, 1946.
Composer Biography
Richard Strauss, the composer, expressed a wish to be called to Mount Olympus on August 17th, 1945, feeling his life's work was destroyed by the war.
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