RICHARD STRAUSS

Strauss wrote his own scenario for the ballet Schlagobers (Whipped Cream) which was composed in 1921-2. It was written as a reaction against both the complex symbolism of his most recent opera (Die Frau ohne Schatten) and the post-First World War mood in Germany and Austria of gloom, guilt, poverty and inflation. Strauss wrote, ’I have had enough of tragedy ... I want to give joy.’  Unfortunately for Strauss, he was out of sync with the mood of the time and the work, nicknamed ’the Millionaires ballet’, was poorly received at its premiere at the Vienna State Opera in May 1924. Today, however, it is easier to enjoy the ballet on its own terms as Strauss intended. The Suite of eight numbers, containing as much of the best music, was arranged by Strauss in September 1932. The story bears a strong resemblance to that of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker and has many delightful touches. In particular the ’Dance of the Tea Leaves’ is especially memorable.

The origins of München - ein Gedächtniswaltzer stem from 1938 when the Munich municipality planned a documentary film about the city. Strauss was asked to write the music and he composed a waltz which he called Gelegenheitswaltzer (Occasional Waltz). The film, however, was banned by Hitler and Goebbels as the Führer wished to make a film glorifying his ’new’ Munich. The score, after just one private concert, was laid to rest, but when in 1945 Strauss wished to express his grief over the destruction of the city, he resurrected the score and introduced new material, adding the subtitle ’Memorial Waltz’. Apart from the charming waltz themes, the stormy middle section suggesting the destruction of the city is most effective. Altogether the piece makes a satisfying and valuable addition to the Strauss discography.