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Portraits Day

Donald Macleod and Julian Johnson reflect on how self portraiture is represented by Richard Strauss's music, with Sinfonia domestica and Ein Heldenleben.

For Portraits Day, Donald Macleod is joined by Professor Julian Johnson from Royal Holloway, University of London, to reflect on how self portraiture is represented by Richard Strauss's music. While Strauss as the hero of "Ein Heldenleben" encouraged some healthy debate when it was first heard in 1899, other works are more direct in their association. Dedicated to his wife and his son, Sinfonia domestica details a day in the life of the Strauss family, including its most intimate moments. While critics of the day found it vulgar, the public loved it, and Strauss was unashamedly unapologetic. He told journalists in 1921 that the work was among his favourites, since it showed him and his opinions most clearly.

1 hour

Last on

Mon 7 May 2012 12:00

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Music Played

  • Richard Strauss

    Ein Heldenleben Op.40

    Conductor: Herbert von KARAJAN Performer: Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

    • DEUTSCHE GRAMMOP.
    • 439-039-2.
  • Richard Strauss

    Don Quixote Op.35

    Conductor: Djong Victorin YU Performer: New Philharmonia Orchestra

    • GUILD.
    • GMCD 7204.
  • Richard Strauss

    Symphonia domestica Op.53

    Conductor: Gerard SCHWARZ Performer: Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

    • AVIE.
    • AV-2071.
  • Richard Strauss

    Intermezzo - opera in 2 acts Op.72

    Conductor: John PRITCHARD Performer: Anthony ROLFE JOHNSON - Tenor (Stroh) Performer: Brian DONLAN - Baritone (Legal Counsellor) Performer: Dennis WICKS - Bass (A Singer) Performer: Donald BELL - Baritone (Commercial Counsellor) Performer: Marco BAKKER - Baritone (Robert Storch) Performer: London Philharmonic Orchestra

    • Chandos.
    • Chan 31742.
  • Richard Strauss

    Symphonia domestica Op.53

    Conductor: Gerard SCHWARZ Performer: Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

    • AVIE.
    • AV-2071.
  • Richard Strauss

    Ein Heldenleben Op.40

    Conductor: Herbert von KARAJAN Performer: Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

    • Deutsche Grammophon.
    • DG 439 039-2.

Broadcast

  • Mon 7 May 2012 12:00

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