Zueignung

Featuring

Michael Lessky
Ildikó Raimondi
Vienna Youth Orchestra
Richard Strauss
Franz Schubert

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Performer Biography

Michael Lessky, the conductor, founded the Junge Philharmonie Wien in 1997 and has led it to become Austria's 'elite youth orchestra'.

Historical Context

The genre of orchestral song, popular in earlier decades, reached the end of its popularity during World War II, when Richard Strauss orchestrated his 'Zueignung'.

Performer Biography

Ildikó Raimondi, the soprano on this recording, has been a member of the Vienna State Opera since 1991 and has sung over 50 opera roles there.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Franz Schubert's original orchestral songs, such as the Romance from 'Rosamunde' and 'Liebe schwärmt auf allen Wegen', demonstrate his strong inclination towards theatrical works.

Performer Biography

The Junge Philharmonie Wien is Austria's 'elite youth orchestra', founded in 1997 to bridge the gap between musical training and joining a professional orchestra.

Composition History

Richard Strauss's 'Vier Lieder' op. 27, which includes 'Heimliche Aufforderung', was originally composed in 1894 as a wedding gift for his wife, Pauline de Ahna.

Compositional Technique

Many of the songs on this album, originally written with piano accompaniment, are presented in orchestral arrangements, often by composers or conductors other than the original composer.