Richard Strauss: Cello Sonatas

Featuring

Julian Riem
Raphaela Gromes
Richard Strauss

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Instruments

Raphaela Gromes plays a violoncello made by Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume around 1855, which has been provided to her by a private owner.

Composition History

The first version of Richard Strauss's Cello Sonata in F Major, written in 1881, is receiving its world premiere recording on this album.

Cultural Impact

The proceeds from this CD will be donated to the José Carreras Leukaemia Foundation.

Composer Biography

Richard Strauss's father, Franz Strauss, was a distinguished horn player in the Munich Court Opera Orchestra and conductor of an amateur orchestra called the Wilde Gungl.

Recording & Production

Raphaela Gromes recorded this album in memory of her father, Wilhelm Gromes, who inspired her with Strauss's Sonata op. 6 and whose favorite songs are featured.

Composition History

Richard Strauss's Cello Sonata op. 6 exists in two strikingly different versions, with the earlier version failing to win a competition and prompting a wholesale revision.

Compositional Technique

Hans Wihan, a cellist friendly with the Strauss family, was the dedicatee of both versions of Strauss's Cello Sonata and later also of Dvořák's Cello Concerto.