Richard Strauss: Oboe Concerto; Till Eulenspiegel; Rosenkavalier Waltzes; Lutoslawski: Double Concerto

Richard Strauss's exquisite compositions take centre stage in this captivating album, released on 11 October 2011 by Musical Concepts. The renowned Swiss oboist Heinz Holliger masterfully delivers Strauss's Oboe Concerto, showcasing his technical prowess and expressive depth. Additionally, Holliger is joined by his wife, Ursula Holliger, on harp, in a beautiful rendition of Witold Lutoslawski's Double Concerto for Oboe, Harp, and Chamber Orchestra.

The album also features two of Strauss's most beloved orchestral works: 'Till Eulenspiegel' and the waltzes from his comic opera 'Der Rosenkavalier'. These pieces, performed by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra under the batons of Michael Gielen and Thomas Schippers, demonstrate Strauss's mastery of orchestration and his ability to craft memorable, hummable melodies.

With a duration of 1 hour and 18 minutes, this album is a must-listen for classical music enthusiasts. Richard Strauss's works are beautifully complemented by Lutoslawski's unique composition, making for a compelling and varied listening experience. The combination of Holliger's exceptional oboe playing, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra's rich sound, and the expert conducting of Gielen and Schippers, results in a truly unforgettable musical experience.

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.