Richard Strauss's house

[LKB]

This disk was my introduction to Strauss music, specifically the Alpine Symphony. Not an easy piece to enjoy for me on the basis of a single listen. Maybe it's not an especially good version?

While I'm not particularly well-versed in recordings of the work, I'll still recommend Haitink's near- perfect recording for Philips with the RCO. It's worth having for the sublime woodwinds alone.

[SonicMan46]

Dave, I know The Unknown Strauss 15-CD collection filled in some orchestral holes for me, although not all of it is 'unknown', and Rickenbacher is not a favorite Straussian of mine.

Of course, each were released separately for picking and choosing so you can avoid the operas and choral music.

VS

Thanks VS - I've looked at the 15-disc box which would more that double my collection of Strauss - not sure that I want much more that already owned - I'd like to explore his 'piano music' but not sure if there is more that a couple of worthwhile discs and uncertain of the 'best' performances.  Comments much appreciated - Dave

[Jo498]

I am pretty sure the "Unknown R. Strauss" would be a bit much for a casual fan... I didn't even know there was solo piano music, this is a tiny niche within a niche of youthful/unknown works.
According to your lists you are already rather well provided with some of the rather unknown chamber pieces. As mentioned above, I am still not sure if you have two major pieces, the Burleske and the violin sonata (often coupled with non-Strauss). And IF you like tone poems, make sure to try the lesser known ones such as Macbeth, Sinfonia Domestica or the earlyish suite/tone poem "Aus Italien" (From Italy).

You already know that you are missing the more important half of Strauss if you cannot get into opera (or lieder).

[VonStupp]

Thanks VS - I've looked at the 15-disc box which would more that double my collection of Strauss - not sure that I want much more that already owned - I'd like to explore his 'piano music' but not sure if there is more that a couple of worthwhile discs and uncertain of the 'best' performances.  Comments much appreciated - Dave

Not even I invested in all of these 'unknown' works. Mostly to fill out some vocal/orchestral numbers I wanted. 

VS

[Spotted Horses]

This disk was my introduction to Strauss music, specifically the Alpine Symphony. Not an easy piece to enjoy for me on the basis of a single listen. Maybe it's not an especially good version?

I wouldn't fault Bohm, but an old mono recording of a work whose effect is based on opulent orchestration is not an ideal introduction, I would say. Karajan's recording is one benchmark, Haitink's Concertgebouw recording, mentioned above, is another splendid option.

[Mirror Image]

This disk was my introduction to Strauss music, specifically the Alpine Symphony. Not an easy piece to enjoy for me on the basis of a single listen. Maybe it's not an especially good version?

I say the performance is quite good, but my own enjoyment was marred by the fidelity of the recording. Certainly not in the same league as Karajan's or the newer one from Andrés Orozco-Estrada on Pentatone.

[SonicMan46]

I am pretty sure the "Unknown R. Strauss" would be a bit much for a casual fan... I didn't even know there was solo piano music, this is a tiny niche within a niche of youthful/unknown works.
According to your lists you are already rather well provided with some of the rather unknown chamber pieces. As mentioned above, I am still not sure if you have two major pieces, the Burleske and the violin sonata (often coupled with non-Strauss). And IF you like tone poems, make sure to try the lesser known ones such as Macbeth, Sinfonia Domestica or the earlyish suite/tone poem "Aus Italien" (From Italy).

You already know that you are missing the more important half of Strauss if you cannot get into opera (or lieder).

Not even I invested in all of these 'unknown' works. Mostly to fill out some vocal/orchestral numbers I wanted. 

VS

Thanks again Guys for your help - the Violin Sonata had plenty of selections on Amazon but matched w/ others I already owned, however, I found the one below w/ Shosty's own work, not owned by me (good reviews on Amazon and also in Fanfare) - as to the lesser poem tones; hard to find except for boxes, but located the other disc below w/ Macbeth & Symphonia Domestica - should be enough for me.

As to operas, the statement above applies to many composers in which I'm 'missing' an important part of their oeuvre, but my interest is non-existent.  When I was a teenager growing up in the Toledo (Ohio) area, my father was a BIG opera lover and used to get subscription tickets to the seasons at the Toledo Art Museum (they brought in national touring venues); my mother refused to go so being the eldest son I was 'dragged' along for 2 or 3 years, mostly Italian w/ some Mozart (and probably others I don't remember) - that traumatic teenage experience probably permanently damaged my 'you gotta love opera' genes - sorry at my post-retirement age, I rather listen to music enjoyed most by me.    Dave

P.S. there are some 'piano recordings' but not much, so unless someone 'chimes in' on whether desirable, I'll likely pass. 

 

[Mirror Image]

Thanks VS - I've looked at the 15-disc box which would more that double my collection of Strauss - not sure that I want much more that already owned - I'd like to explore his 'piano music' but not sure if there is more that a couple of worthwhile discs and uncertain of the 'best' performances.  Comments much appreciated - Dave

Strauss' piano music is decent enough, but nothing revelatory about it. The chamber music is rather nice, but some of it is forgettable. For me, where Strauss truly shines is in operatic, orchestral and lieder.

FWIW, The Unknown Richard Strauss box set is alright, but better performances of much of this repertoire can be found elsewhere.

[staxomega]

I'm looking to explore some more performances of Salome if anyone has suggestions. I have Solti and Karajan.

[Daverz]

I'm looking to explore some more performances of Salome if anyone has suggestions. I have Solti and Karajan.

Caballé on RCA/Sony, perhaps.



https://youtu.be/rJ3LFIQb5Fs?t=518 (Hurwitz)
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2019/Jan/Strauss_Salome_survey.pdf (Ralph Moore, PDF file)

[Brahmsian]

Another purchase from Presto in transit:

[DavidW]

That is a great set.  All around great performances in excellent 70s analog.

[Brahmsian]

That is a great set.  All around great performances in excellent 70s analog.

Yes David. I already own the old green EMI set. For the price being very reasonable, decided to splurge and get the reissue of these fabulous recordings.

[calyptorhynchus]

Not normally much of a Strauss fan but I was surprised on listening to the Symphony No.2 (written when he was 19) to hear how good it was.

[Roasted Swan]

Worthy of a post on the "pieces that have blown you away recently" thread.  A first listen to this new release;



Goodness me - The 4 Last Songs arranged for choir and solo violin.  The KammerChor Saarbrucken are just stunning.  Perfect blend and intonation.  Of course the spirit of the work is changed but this is radiantly beautiful and deeply touching.  The solo violin entwines itself in and around the choir.  If the idea of this kind of arrangement engages you in the least do try and hear this.  The whole disc is very fine indeed but the Last Songs are very special.

[Brahmsian]

Now listening to Disc 1 of this remarkable set:

Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30
Tod und Verklarung, Op. 24
Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59 Waltz Suite
Capriccio, Op. 85 Moonlight Music

[vers la flamme]

Now listening to Disc 1 of this remarkable set:

Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30
Tod und Verklarung, Op. 24
Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59 Waltz Suite
Capriccio, Op. 85 Moonlight Music

I listened to that disc this morning too.

[lordlance]

The most breakneck performance of Burleske that I've heard:



You have to admire the sheer energy of BPO's playing.

[Jo498]

Have you heard Argerich+Abbado from a Berlin New years Eve concert in the 1990s? I don't know the Barenboim but I can hardly imagine more necks broken...

[lordlance]

Have you heard Argerich+Abbado from a Berlin New years Eve concert in the 1990s? I don't know the Barenboim but I can hardly imagine more necks broken...

I have not. Thank you for the suggestion.