Many things have surprised me about German composer Richard Strauss over the years:
He spent the entire WWII years in Germany until he died in 1945 at his home in Garmisch Partenkirchen.
During the American Occupation of Germany, an American officer came to his home and told Strauss that the Army required his home and he would be moved elsewhere. Strauss protested that he is a world-famous composer, and he refused to leave!
During the Nazi ears, Richard Strauss signed his personal correspondence with “Heil Hitler”.
After Strauss died, there was an event at Strauss’ home that concluded with Richard Strauss’ funeral. The orchestral and Opera conductor, Georg Solti officiated. Solti came from a Jewish family…
There is no doubt that Strauss was an astounding musician and composer of songs, Operas, Symphonies, and other works that continue to be performed to this day.
One such work is the Burleske for piano and Orchestra. It is a work that is technically very challenging, and is therefore rarely performed.
But you have a chance to hear it now as played by pianist Martha Argerich:
