Four Songs, Op. 27
Richard Strauss
Born June 11, 1864, in Munich, Bavaria
Died September 8, 1949, in Garmisch, Germany

Between the ages of 21 and 35, Richard Strauss made his reputation with symphonic poems inspired by literary and even philosophical texts; thereafter, for some four decades, he actually set texts--mostly for the theater, composing concert music only when no libretto was in hand. Druing both these periods--on the side, so to speak--he composed songs, often with the voice of his wife, the soprano Pauline de Ahna, in mind, and several of these he orchestrated for use in their joint concert appearances. In their relationship (a tempestuous but passionate one, if the musical evidence of the Domestic Symphony is to be credited), the four published as Op. 27 hold a special position, for the set is dedicated “To my beloved Pauline on September 10, 1894”--their wedding day. Three were composed in Weimar the previous May, and “Cäcilie” was added the day before the wedding. “Morgen” and “Cäcilie” were orchestrated for Pauline’s use, the former in 1897, the latter probably around the same time.

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Norma
Vincenzo Bellini
Tragédie Lyrique en deux actes
Livret de Felice Romani
Version Concertante

Diva Assoluta, Edita Gruberova pour la première fois dans le rôle-titre de Norma

Et l’interprétation de la grande soprano slovaque pourrait bien rejoindre la légende.

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