Strauss: Capriccio Suite, Salome's Dance & Der Rosenkavalier Suite

Dive into the rich tapestry of Richard Strauss's orchestral mastery with this captivating 1989 release from Chandos. This album presents a meticulously curated selection of Strauss's most evocative works, performed by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra under the baton of Neeme Järvi, with the enchanting vocals of Dame Felicity Lott gracing the tracks.

The album opens with the opulent "Der Rosenkavalier Suite," a symphonic journey that showcases Strauss's knack for blending lush harmonies with dramatic flair. The suite is followed by the electrifying "Salome's Dance," a vivid orchestral depiction of the infamous dance of the seven veils, drawing from Strauss's opera "Salome."

The centerpiece of the album is the "Capriccio Suite," derived from Strauss's final opera. This suite offers a microcosm of the opera's themes and characters, with highlights including the ethereal "Intermezzo, 'Moonlight Music'" and the grand "Closing Scene." The album provides a comprehensive exploration of Strauss's late romantic style, characterized by its rich orchestration and complex harmonies.

With a total duration of just over an hour, this album is a perfect introduction to Strauss's orchestral and operatic works. The performances are top-notch, with Järvi's precise conducting and the orchestra's expressive playing bringing out the full depth and nuance of Strauss's scores. The inclusion of Dame Felicity Lott adds an extra layer of allure, making this a standout release in the classical music canon.