Immerse yourself in the rich, vibrant world of Richard Strauss' "Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme," a captivating orchestral suite that brings Molière's classic comedy to life through music. Composed between 1911 and 1917, this suite is a testament to Strauss' mastery of orchestration, blending refined chamber music episodes with grand, pompous tutti passages to humorously depict the absurdities of Monsieur Jourdain, a bourgeoisie man aspiring to nobility.
This 1999 release by Deutsche Grammophon features a meticulous performance that spans nearly two hours, divided into three acts, each prefaced by a prelude. The suite is a colorful neo-classical journey, filled with witty dialogues, lively dances, and dramatic interludes that vividly illustrate the play's scenes. From the elegant "Menuet" to the lively "Fencing Instruction Scene," each track offers a unique glimpse into the whimsical world of Molière's characters, brought to life by Strauss' genius.
The album showcases Strauss' signature style, with intricate compositions that highlight the full range of the orchestra. The incidental music for "Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme" is often considered a companion to Strauss' opera "Ariadne auf Naxos," reflecting his collaborative genius with Hugo von Hofmannsthal. This suite is a delightful exploration of Strauss' versatility and his ability to capture the essence of Molière's comedy through music.
With a duration of 1 hour and 54 minutes, this album is a comprehensive exploration of Strauss' orchestral prowess. The detailed tracklist, featuring 34 songs, provides a thorough journey through the play's acts, making it an essential addition for classical music enthusiasts and fans of Strauss' work. Whether you're a seasoned listener or new to Strauss' compositions, "Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme" offers a rich, engaging experience that celebrates the timeless appeal of Molière's comedy through the lens of one of the 20th century's greatest composers.
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 1: OvertureRichard Strauss, Peter Ustinov, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 1: "It was recently..."Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 1: Entry of Monsieur JourdainRichard Strauss, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 1: "I'm sorry..."Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 1: Jourdain's CoupletRichard Strauss, Peter Ustinov, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 1: "The Dancing Master..."Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 1: Musical ConversationRichard Strauss, Bodil Arnesen, Christa Mayer, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 1: "That was most refreshing..."Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 1: Menuet (Dance Master)Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 1: "Monsieur Jourdain, breathless..."Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 1: Fencing Instruction SceneRichard Strauss, Peter Ustinov, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 1: "Repeat the movement..."Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 1: Entry and Dance of the TailorsRichard Strauss, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 1: "It is shortly after midday..."Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 1: End of Act 1Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 2: PreludeRichard Strauss, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 2: "Monsieur Jourdain, still..."Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 2: Entry CleonteRichard Strauss, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 2: "Two men..." and continuation of CleonteRichard Strauss, Peter Ustinov, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 2: "The two strangers..."Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 2: IntermezzoRichard Strauss, Peter Ustinov, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 2: "During the intermezzo..."Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 2: The DinnerRichard Strauss, Peter Ustinov, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 2: "Dorimene, while ..."Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 2: CouranteRichard Strauss, Peter Ustinov, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 2: "Alcohol still has..."Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 2: End of Act 2Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 3: Prelude alla SicilienneRichard Strauss, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 3: "The next day..."Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 3: MelodramRichard Strauss, Peter Ustinov, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 3: "The two lackeys call out..."Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 3: The Turkish CeremonyRichard Strauss, Florian Cerny, via-nova-Chor München, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 3: "The dervishes stop..."Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 3: End of Act 3Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov, Florian Cerny, Bodil Arnesen, Christa Mayer, via-nova-Chor München, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
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
