Richard Strauss, the composer, achieved mastery in three musical genres: operas, lieder, and orchestral tone poems.
Performer Biography
Serge Koussevitzky, the conductor, was known for his "nervous intensity and fire" and a "tremendous energy" tempered by charm and humor.
Composition History
Richard Strauss's first successful operas, Feuersnot, Salome, and Elektra, were all one-act pieces, similar to his orchestral tone poems.
Recording & Production
The recording of Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks on this album was the first issue RCA Victor pressed in vinyl instead of shellac.
Compositional Technique
Richard Strauss's tone poem Also Sprach Zarathustra requires a large orchestra, including six horns, four trumpets, two tubas, two harps, and an organ.
Recording & Production
The premiere recording of Also Sprach Zarathustra was made by Serge Koussevitzky, the conductor on this album, on January 22, 1935.
Performer Biography
Serge Koussevitzky, the conductor on this album, was considered by some to be a "gift of God" whose art remained a mystery.
You might also enjoy...
Strauss: Don Juan, Op. 20, Till Eulenspiegel, Op. 28 & Death and Transfiguration, Op. 24
R. Strauss: Don Juan; Tod und Verklärung
Strauss, R.: Suite from Der Rosenkavalier; Don Juan
