Strauss, Richard (1864-1949) - Ein Heldenleben, Burleske : Antonio Pappano / St Cecilia Academic Orchestra, Bertrand Chamayou(P) - Import CD

Credits:

Siret / Alperovich / Zanghi

Description:

The Life of a Hero, an epic tale conducted by Pappano. Also includes "Bulleske" with ChamayouAntonio Pappano has conducted the Orchestra di Santa Cecilia in these two works from the early stages of Richard Strauss' career, but this is the first recording of the work. The symphonic poem "Life of a Hero," with its magnificent tone, is an orchestral masterpiece by a variety of composers. Strauss premiered "Life of a Hero" in 1899, when he was 34 years old, and while it was his last symphonic poem, it represents him at the grand peak of his early maturity. The work is Strauss's autobiographical novel, in which he portrays himself as a "hero," a kind of "epic novel" in the modern sense of the word. The conductor and orchestra must follow Strauss's every move, paying close attention to all the characters and episodes. If you let your guard down, you will be caught in a whirlwind of sound. Pappano, who has given breathtaking performances in numerous operas, is a natural in this regard.It picks up every note in the score and translates it into meaningful words, conveying Strauss's strong will to the listener. The heroic figure on the battlefield is a masterpiece. Composed when Strauss was in his early twenties, "Burleske" carries echoes of Brahms, Schumann, and Liszt. This relatively unperformed work features Bertrand Chamayou as soloist. The opening orchestral sections (especially the timpani barrage) are powerful. Chamayou's swaggering piano is gorgeous. (1/3) Warner Music Japan

Tracklisting:

1.Ein Heldenleben TrV 190, Op. 40~I. Der Held
2.Ein Heldenleben TrV 190, Op. 40~II. Des Helden Widersacher
3.Ein Heldenleben TrV 190, Op. 40~III. Des Helden Gefahrtin
4.Ein Heldenleben TrV 190, Op. 40~IV. Des Helden Walstatt
5.Ein Heldenleben TrV 190, Op. 40~V. Des Helden Friedenswerke
6.Ein Heldenleben TrV 190, Op. 40~VI. Des Helden Weltflucht und Vollendung
7.Burleske in D minor for piano & orchestra, TrV 145

Strauss Collection List