Strauss: Concertante Works

Dive into the captivating world of Richard Strauss with this exquisite collection of concertante works, showcasing the composer's mastery and evolution across his career. Released in 2019 by Chandos, this album presents a blend of early and late compositions, offering a comprehensive journey through Strauss's musical development.

The album opens with the "Burleske in D Minor," a piece that exemplifies Strauss's early prowess and experimental spirit. This is followed by the "Duett-Concertino for Clarinet, Bassoon and Strings," a work that highlights the composer's ability to create intricate and engaging dialogues between instruments. The "Violin Concerto" stands out as a testament to Strauss's growing technical skill and burgeoning compositional voice, reflecting a more neo-classical sound that deviates from his later, more expressionistic style.

Performances are brought to life by an ensemble of exceptional musicians, including the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Michael Collins on clarinet, Michael McHale on piano, Julie Price on bassoon, and Tasmin Little on violin. Their collective virtuosity breathes new life into these timeless pieces, making this album a treasure for both seasoned classical enthusiasts and those new to Richard Strauss's work.

With a duration of 1 hour and 16 minutes, this album is a rich tapestry of Strauss's genius, capturing the essence of his concertante works. Whether you're drawn to the technical brilliance of the "Violin Concerto" or the playful interplay of the "Duett-Concertino," this collection promises an enriching and enjoyable listening 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.