Richard Strauss (1864-1949) Born in Munich, educated from young age by court musicians. Age 18- Worked as conductor Marriage Composition in typical romantic style until from Alexander Ritter influenced him to abandon his conservative tendencies.
Tone Poem Piece of orchestral music in one movement in which some extramusical program provides a narrative or illustrative element. This programme may come from a poem, a story or novel, a painting, or another source. Used previously by Liszt and Smetana, but Strauss perfected the genre is and most associated with it. (late 1800’s) Famous Tone Poems by Strauss include: Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks A Hero's Life Thus Spoke Zarathustra End of century, turned his attention to opera: :24 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8L6BNub2sDY
Salome (1905) Based on play by Oscar Wilde Instant success, scandal Established in standard repertoire Herod: tenor Herodias :mezzo-soprano Salome: soprano John the Baptist: baritone http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPBBCusBSDk&feature=related (Seven Viels) Salome Finale:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=120_rHiDcdI&feature=related
Elektra (1909) Elektra , Agamemnon's daughter soprano Chrysothemis, her sister soprano Klytaemnestra, their mother, contraltoor mezzo-soprano Orest, son of Agamemnon, baritone Tale based on Greek drama and revenge. Brought dissonance to a new level 4:30 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2TzKC67o9I&feature=related 1:57 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHs3qPcZ3yU&feature=related
Richard Strauss (1864-1949) Elecktra- expansion on Salome Turn to Neo-Classicism (20th century development, particularly popular in the period between the two World Wars, in which composers drew inspiration from music of the 18th century) Relationship with Nazi Party