Richard Strauss: Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64, TrV 233 (Live)

Featuring

Sebastian Weigle
Frankfurter Opern- und Museumsorchester
Richard Strauss

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Composer's Artistic Vision

Strauss considered calling his Alpine Symphony 'The Antichrist,' viewing it as representing 'moral liberation through work with reverence shown towards eternally magnificent Nature,' referencing Friedrich Nietzsche's work.

Critical Reception

At its 1915 premiere, the Alpine Symphony was described by critic Paul Bekker as a 'sonic orgy' and a 'nakedly realistic Alpine poem,' yet he also called it 'unmistakeably sinking and wilting in its essence.'

Performer Biography

Sebastian Weigle, the conductor on this recording, was named 'Conductor of the Year' by 'Opernwelt' critics in 2003 for his premiere of Strauss's The Woman without a Shadow at the Frankfurt Opera.

Compositional Technique

The Alpine Symphony uses a large orchestra, including twelve horns, two trumpets, two trombones behind the stage, and wind and thunder machines to create realistic soundscapes.

Composition History

The Alpine Symphony was originally conceived as a symphonic poem dedicated to the memory of Karl Stauffer, a forgotten painter and sculptor who committed suicide.

Performer Biography

The Frankfurt Opera and Museum Orchestra, which performs on this album, was named 'Orchestra of the Year' by the journal 'Opernwelt' for three consecutive years (2009, 2010, and 2011).