R. Strauss Petrenko

“At least I have learned how to orchestrate”, pronounced Richard Strauss (1864−1949) laconically during the dress rehearsal for the world premiere of his Alpine Symphony in Berlin in 1915. Few composers have mastered all the nooks and crannies of orchestration better than namely Strauss. The abililty to portray characters, events, or feelings so precisely and in such a detailed manner stood the composer in good stead when writing his tone poems and his operas.

An Alpine Symphony starts in the dark of night, with a deep carpet of sound which slowly spreads across the orchestra before the brass instruments remind us of the steep climb awaiting us. As soon as the sun rises, we sling on our rucksacks and start the ascent. On the way we hear cowbells and birdsong, while the fresh mountain air fills our ears, but ahead lies not only pastoral idyll and wondrous views, but also terrifying glaciers, traitorous mists and even a veritable mountain tempest. Strauss’ hike across the peaks is not for delicate souls, but as long as you hold on tight, you’ll be off on an unforgettable musical journey.

(In photo: Vasily Petrenko, Photo: CF Wesenberg; Text: Thomas Erma Møller; Translation from Norwegian: Sarah Osa)