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Episode 2

Donald Macleod introduces some of the most celebrated music written for the soprano voice by Richard Strauss, much of which was inspired by his wife, soprano Pauline de Ahna.

Donald Macleod examines the extraordinary partnership Richard Strauss enjoyed with the soprano, Pauline de Ahna. The couple were married for over fifty years, despite her fiery temper and unreasonable demands, although given her frequent outbursts, to some of their contemporaries at least, it was difficult to understand why. What's indisputable is the amount of music Pauline inspired, and Strauss's ability to write music of incomparable beauty for the soprano voice.

1 hour

Last on

Tue 8 May 2012 18:30

Music Played

  • Richard Strauss

    Cacilie Op.27`2 vers. for voice & orch.

    Conductor: Claudio ABBADO Performer: Karita MATTILA - Soprano Performer: Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

    • DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON.
    • DG-445182.
  • Richard Strauss

    Intermezzo - opera in 2 acts Op.72

    Conductor: John PRITCHARD Performer: Elisabeth SODERSTROM - Soprano (Christine ) Performer: Marco BAKKER - Baritone (Robert Storch ) Performer: London Philharmonic Orchestra

    • CHANDOS.
    • CHAN 3174.
  • Richard Strauss

    Ein Heldenleben Op.40

    Conductor: Herbert von KARAJAN Performer: Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra Performer: Leon SPIERER - Violin

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

    4 Lieder Op.27

    Conductor: Georg SZELL Performer: Elisabeth SCHWARZKOPF - Soprano Performer: London S O.

    • EMI.
    • CDC 7-47276 2.
  • Richard Strauss

    Die Frau ohne Schatten - opera in 3 acts Op.65 [1914-18]

    Conductor: Wolfgang SAWALLISCH Performer: Alfred MUFF - Bass (Barak ) Performer: Bavarian R S O Performer: Marjana LIPOVSEK - Contralto (A voice from above ) Performer: Tolz Boys' Choir Performer: Ute VINZING - Soprano (Dyer's Wife )

    • EMI.
    • CDS 749074 2.
  • Richard Strauss

    Guntram - opera in 3 acts Op.25 [1892-3]

    Conductor: Eve QUELER Performer: Ilona TOKODY - Soprano (Freihild ) Performer: Reiner GOLDBERG - Tenor (Guntram ) Performer: Hungarian State Opera Orchestra

    • CBS.
    • M2K39737.

Broadcasts

  • Tue 8 May 2012 12:00
  • Tue 8 May 2012 18:30

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