Delicate Strauss

SA-CD.net 5 out of 5

We’ve been treated to several fine DSD recordings of the big, bold, brassy Strauss of the tone poems. This disc, aptly titled “Delicate Strauss” couldn’t be more different. The most significant work is the oboe concerto of 1945.

Written, the story goes, for John de Lancie, an American GI and erstwhile oboist in the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (later of the The Philadelphia Orchestra) who visited with Strauss soon after the cessation of hostilities, the work bears no imprint of the war or the great difficulty of postwar life in Germany. For that matter it shows nothing of Strauss’ own 80 years of age, but rather is a continually melodic and joyful piece that is a pure delight to hear.

Though of a more serious philosophical cast the 1941 prelude to “Capriccio” also seems to inhabit a totally different world from the war torn one in which Strauss was living. The remaining three works are all transcriptions for oboe and orchestra: a very early Romance for clarinet and orchestra and two of Strauss’ most beautiful songs Morgen and Meinem Kinde. Taken individually or as a whole the emphasis is on beauty and tenderness, and makes for a wonderful 50 minutes away from the cares of the day.

The performances by oboist Alexei Utkin and the Hermitage Chamber Orchestra are very fine. The recording, by Polyhymnia International BV, is simply gorgeous.

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