Strauss, R.: Sinfonia Domestica; Macbeth

Featuring

Lorin Maazel
Wiener Philharmoniker
Richard Strauss

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Recording & Production

The live recording of Sinfonia domestica was a much rarer occurrence then than today, and it illuminates the scoring to advantage.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Under the influence of Alexander Ritter, Richard Strauss abandoned the classical world of Brahms and took the 'completely new path' of Liszt and Wagner in exploiting the expressive element in music.

Recording & Production

These performances of Richard Strauss's works were recorded over 30 years ago in Vienna, with Macbeth in the Sofiensaal and Sinfonia domestica in the Musikvereinssaal.

Performer Biography

Lorin Maazel, the conductor on this album, was music director of the Vienna State Opera from 1982 to 1984, an appointment that was short-lived and controversial.

Composition History

Macbeth was Richard Strauss's first tone-poem, which he began sketching in 1887 at age 23 and completed the following year.

Critical Reception

When Sinfonia domestica was performed in Europe, the general opinion was that it was 'embarrassingly tasteless' due to its personal subject matter and large orchestral forces.

Interpretation

Lorin Maazel, the conductor, made courageous choices by programming these works, as neither Macbeth nor Sinfonia domestica were largely featured in the Strauss orchestral repertoire at the time.