Golden Horizon

Immerse yourself in the rich, resonant world of Richard Strauss with "Golden Horizon," a captivating collection of works for horn and orchestra. This album, set for release on September 13, 2024, by Naxos, showcases Strauss's mastery of orchestration and his deep affinity for the horn, an instrument that plays a central role in many of his compositions.

The album features performances by the Sinfonieorchester Aachen, conducted by Christopher Ward, with soloists Christoph Eß on horn and Sonja Gornik on soprano. The repertoire spans Strauss's career, from his early Horn Concerto No. 1 in E-Flat Major, Op. 11, to his late masterpiece, the Four Last Songs, arranged for voice, horn, and chamber orchestra. Also included are the lesser-known Andante in C Major and Alphorn, both arranged for this unique ensemble.

"Golden Horizon" offers a comprehensive exploration of Strauss's works for horn, highlighting the instrument's lyrical and dramatic capabilities. The album opens with the Horn Concerto No. 1, a virtuosic display of the soloist's skill, followed by the intimate Andante in C Major. The Four Last Songs, some of Strauss's most beloved compositions, are presented in a new light, with the horn providing a poignant counterpoint to the soprano's voice.

The album concludes with the Horn Concerto No. 2, a work that showcases Strauss's late Romantic style and his innovative use of harmony and orchestration. Throughout the album, the Sinfonieorchester Aachen delivers a powerful and nuanced performance, bringing Strauss's music to life with clarity and passion. Whether you're a longtime fan of Richard Strauss or a newcomer to his music, "Golden Horizon" is an essential addition to your classical music collection.

Richard Strauss, born in Munich in 1864, was a titan of late Romantic and early modern classical music, renowned for his innovative tone poems and operas. As a successor to the likes of Richard Wagner and Franz Liszt, Strauss' compositions are celebrated for their pioneering orchestration and advanced harmonic styles. His prolific career spanned over five decades, during which he composed 16 operas that continue to be widely performed today. Strauss' music, characterized by its dramatic intensity and rich orchestration, offers an immersive experience that transcends time, making him a dominant figure in classical music at the turn of the 20th century. His works, ranging from orchestral masterpieces to operatic triumphs, continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Strauss' legacy as a composer and conductor is a testament to his enduring influence on the world of classical music.