Immerse yourself in the timeless brilliance of Richard Strauss with this captivating album, released on January 1, 2014, under Universal Music Australia Pty. Ltd. This collection showcases two of Strauss's most celebrated works: "Also sprach Zarathustra" and "Don Quixote," performed with exquisite artistry by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra under the baton of Andris Nelsons.
"Also sprach Zarathustra," composed in 1896, is a symphonic poem that draws inspiration from Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophical work of the same name. The album opens with the iconic "Prelude (Sonnenaufgang)," featuring the majestic sunrise motif that has become synonymous with Strauss's masterpiece. Each subsequent track delves deeper into the philosophical and emotional landscapes of Zarathustra's journey, from the contemplative "Von den Hinterweltlern" to the passionate "Von den Freuden und Leidenschaften."
The second half of the album is dedicated to "Don Quixote," a tone poem composed in 1897. This work vividly brings to life the adventures of the legendary knight through a series of variations, each depicting different aspects of Don Quixote's character and experiences. From the martial "Variation II: Kriegerisch" to the tender "Variation V: Sehr langsam," Strauss's orchestration paints a rich and dynamic portrait of Cervantes's iconic figure.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes, this album offers a comprehensive exploration of Strauss's orchestral genius. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this recording promises to be a rewarding and enriching experience. The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra's impeccable performance, combined with Andris Nelsons' insightful conducting, brings these works to life with unparalleled depth and clarity. Dive into the world of Richard Strauss and let the power of his music captivate your senses.
Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30, TrV 176: Prelude (Sonnenaufgang)Richard Strauss, Wiener Philharmoniker, Clemens Krauss
Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30, TrV 176: Von den HinterweltlernRichard Strauss, Wiener Philharmoniker, Clemens Krauss
Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30, TrV 176: Von der großen SehnsuchtRichard Strauss, Wiener Philharmoniker, Clemens Krauss
Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30, TrV 176: Von den Freuden und LeidenschaftenRichard Strauss, Wiener Philharmoniker, Clemens Krauss
Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30, TrV 176: Das GrabliedRichard Strauss, Wiener Philharmoniker, Clemens Krauss
Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30, TrV 176: Von der WissenschaftRichard Strauss, Wiener Philharmoniker, Clemens Krauss
Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30, TrV 176: Der GenesendeRichard Strauss, Wiener Philharmoniker, Clemens Krauss
Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30, TrV 176: Das Tanzlied - Das NachtliedRichard Strauss, Wiener Philharmoniker, Clemens Krauss
Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30, TrV 176: Das NachtwandlerliedRichard Strauss, Wiener Philharmoniker, Clemens Krauss
Don Quixote, Op. 35, TrV 184: Introduction: Mäßiges Zeitmaß. Thema mäßigRichard Strauss, Pierre Fournier, Ernst Morawec, Wiener Philharmoniker, Clemens Krauss
Don Quixote, Op. 35, TrV 184: Variation I: GemächlichRichard Strauss, Pierre Fournier, Ernst Morawec, Wiener Philharmoniker, Clemens Krauss
Don Quixote, Op. 35, TrV 184: Variation II: KriegerischRichard Strauss, Pierre Fournier, Ernst Morawec, Wiener Philharmoniker, Clemens Krauss
Don Quixote, Op. 35, TrV 184: Variation III: Mäßiges ZeitmaßRichard Strauss, Pierre Fournier, Ernst Morawec, Wiener Philharmoniker, Clemens Krauss
Don Quixote, Op. 35, TrV 184: Variation IV: Etwas breiterRichard Strauss, Pierre Fournier, Ernst Morawec, Wiener Philharmoniker, Clemens Krauss
Don Quixote, Op. 35, TrV 184: Variation V: Sehr langsamRichard Strauss, Pierre Fournier, Ernst Morawec, Wiener Philharmoniker, Clemens Krauss
Don Quixote, Op. 35, TrV 184: Variation VI: SchnellRichard Strauss, Pierre Fournier, Ernst Morawec, Wiener Philharmoniker, Clemens Krauss
Don Quixote, Op. 35, TrV 184: Variation VII: Ein wenig ruhiger als vorherRichard Strauss, Pierre Fournier, Ernst Morawec, Wiener Philharmoniker, Clemens Krauss
Don Quixote, Op. 35, TrV 184: Variation VIII: GemächlichRichard Strauss, Pierre Fournier, Ernst Morawec, Wiener Philharmoniker, Clemens Krauss
Don Quixote, Op. 35, TrV 184: Variation IX: Schnell und stürmischRichard Strauss, Pierre Fournier, Ernst Morawec, Wiener Philharmoniker, Clemens Krauss
Don Quixote, Op. 35, TrV 184: Variation X: Viel breiterRichard Strauss, Pierre Fournier, Ernst Morawec, Wiener Philharmoniker, Clemens Krauss
Don Quixote, Op. 35, TrV 184: Finale: Sehr ruhigRichard Strauss, Pierre Fournier, Ernst Morawec, Wiener Philharmoniker, Clemens Krauss
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.
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Richard Strauss
