Episode 1

Synopsis

Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Richard Strauss, hailed in his youthful fame as 'the outstanding living composer'.

He focuses on Strauss' early works, which frame the story of his final days. As the composer wrote on his deathbed, 'dying is just as I composed it in Death and Transfiguration'.

Morgen!, Op 27, No 4
Anne Schwanewilms (soprano)
Halle Orchestra
Mark Elder (conductor)
Halle CDHLL7508 Tr 5

Sonata in E flat for violin and piano, Op 18
Vadim Repin (violin)
Boris Berezovsky (piano)
Erato 8573-85769-2 Trs 1-3

Tod und Verklarung, Op 24
Staatskapelle Dresden
Rudolf Kempe (conductor)
EMI 7243 5 73619 2 7 CD5 Tr 2.

Tracklist

Timings are shown from the start of the programme in hours and minutes.

1. --:--

   Richard Strauss — Morgen!, Op 27, No 4

   Performer: Anne Schwanewilms (soprano)
   Performer: Halle Orchestra
   Performer: Mark Elder (conductor)

   Halle, CDHLL7508, Tr 5
2. --:--

   Richard Strauss — Sonata in E flat for violin and piano, Op 18

   Performer: Vadim Repin (violin)
   Performer: Boris Berezovsky (piano)

   Erato, 8573-85769-2, Trs 1-3
3. --:--

   Richard Strauss — Tod und Verklarung, Op 24

   Performer: Staatskapelle Dresden
   Performer: Rudolf Kempe (conductor)

   EMI, 7243 5 73619 2 7, CD5 Tr 2.

Broadcasts

1. Mon 12 Oct 2009
   12:00
   BBC Radio 3
2. Mon 12 Oct 2009
   22:00
   BBC Radio 3