Richard Strauss: Episode II.

By Frank Byrne,

Published April 29, 2024 at 2:51 PM CDT

German composer Richard Strauss wrote a wide range of music, some charming and some shocking. We’ll hear examples of both in this week’s show with a showpiece for organ and orchestra, two diverse works for winds, an homage to his hometown of Munich, and finally a dramatic scene that’s been described as the most appalling moment in all of opera. It’s one peek into the world of music Strauss composed in his long career.

The Festival Prelude, Op. 61, Richard Strauss
Jesus Lopez-Cobos and the Cincinnati Symphony with organist Michael Chertock

Parade March No. 1, Richard Strauss
Colonel John R. Bourgeois and The U.S. Marine Band

The Serenade for Winds, Op. 7, Richard Strauss
Edo De Waart and the Winds of the Minnesota Orchestra

Munich (Commemorative Waltz), Richard Strauss
Klauspeter Seibel and the Nuremberg Symphony

Final Scene from "Salome," Richard Strauss
Fritz Reiner and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with soprano Inge Borkh