Richard Strauss

Richard Strauss works for winds

This is a delightful recording. It presents several unfamiliar but beautiful works by Richard Strauss, and it features the principal wind players of the Chicago Symphony, who, not surprisingly, are terrific musicians. They are supported by the players of the great Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the horn player even gets to play the Andante in C for Horn and piano with the conductor, Daniel Barenboim, at the piano.

The well-known first Horn Concerto is a bravura piece written for Strauss’ father. Though the concerto is youthful and exuberant, its second movement very lyrical and beautiful.

The Duet-Concertino for clarinet and bassoon is quite melodious, and the finale is a delightful Viennese waltz. The orchestration for strings and harp is rich, with several soloists who interact with the clarinet and bassoon.

The highlight is the Oboe Concerto, played by Alex Klein. It is a warm and romantic work, and it has a gorgeous slow movement. The Oboe solo part is full of inventive cadenzas; and the rich orchestration is for a small orchestra so as not to overpower the solo instrument.

Track Listings:
1. Horn Concerto No.1 in E flat, Op.11: Allegro – Dale Clevenger
2. Horn Concerto No.1 in E flat, Op.11: Andante – Dale Clevenger
3. Horn Concerto No.1 in E flat, Op.11: Allegro – Dale Clevenger
4. Duett-Concertino in F, AV 147: Allegro Moderato – Andante – Larry Combs/David McGill
5. Duett-Concertino in F, AV 147: Rondo: Allegro Ma Non Troppo – Larry Combs/David McGill
6. Oboe Conerto in D, AV 144: Allegro Moderato – Alex Klein
7. Oboe Concert in D, AV 144: Andante – Alex Klein
8. Oboe Concerto in D, AV 144: Vivace – Alex Klein D
9. Andante in C for Horn and piano, AV 86A – Dale Clevenger/Daniel Barenboim
10. Stimmungsbilder, Op.9: No.2 in A flat: “An Einsamer Quelle” – Daniel Barenboim
11. Stimmungsbilder, Op.9: No.4 in B: “Traumerei” – Daniel Barenboim

Klein’s performance in the oboe concerto is outstanding. His sound is gorgeous, and his technical mastery, smooth and singing phrases, as well as full dynamic range makes his performance very satisfying.

The Horn concerto is brilliantly done by Dale Clevenger. He provides a radiant interpretation of this concerto.

Here are Alex Klein and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performing the 1st movement of the Strauss oboe Concerto in D. Prepare to be awed….simply the best tone and phrasing ever.

Here’s an interview Faculty Profile with Alex Klein:

Tags: Richard Strauss, Oboe, Bassoon, French Horn, concerti