Strauss: Metamorphosen & Symphony for Wind Instruments

Featuring

Markus Däunert
Nicholas Daniel
Aldeburgh Strings
Aldeburgh Winds
Richard Strauss

Did you know?

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Historical Context

Richard Strauss stayed in Germany during World War II and used his position to protect his Jewish daughter-in-law and grandchildren from incarceration.

Compositional Technique

In Metamorphosen, Strauss includes stylistic homages to Wagner's Götterdämmerung and Siegfried Idyll, and hints at the Funeral March from Beethoven's 'Eroica' Symphony.

Performer Biography

The Aldeburgh Strings and Aldeburgh Winds ensembles are products of the Britten-Pears Young Artist Programme, founded by Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears to train emerging professional musicians.

Composer Biography

Richard Strauss humorously referred to himself as a 'first-class second-rate composer' during a rehearsal in London's Royal Albert Hall.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Strauss considered his left hand's rightful place when conducting to be in his waistcoat pocket, only emerging for minor gestures.

Composer Biography

Richard Strauss's father, Franz Joseph, was a principal French horn player at the Bavarian Court Opera and performed in the premieres of four major Wagner operas.