Immerse yourself in the rich, romantic orchestral works of Richard Strauss with this captivating album, released on February 1, 2014, by Praga Digitals. This collection showcases Strauss's mastery of tone poems and his later lyrical works, offering a compelling journey through his compositional evolution.
The album opens with "Don Juan, Op. 20," a vibrant and dramatic tone poem that vividly depicts the legendary lover's adventures. Following this is "Tod und Verklärung, Op. 24," a profound exploration of life, death, and transcendence, showcasing Strauss's ability to convey deep emotional narratives through music.
Next, "Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche, Op. 28," brings a playful and mischievous energy, with its lively and witty portrayal of the legendary trickster. The album concludes with the poignant and introspective "Vier letzte Lieder, TrV 296," a set of four songs that represent some of Strauss's final and most deeply personal compositions.
Performed with exquisite artistry by the Berliner Philharmoniker under the direction of Herbert von Karajan, this album captures the essence of Strauss's neo-Romantic style. With a total runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes, it offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Strauss's orchestral and vocal works, making it a valuable addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.