17 Sep Vienna Philharmoniker Fanfare – Richard Strauss
Posted at 19:24h
in Program Notes
Richard Strauss (1864-1949) is probably best known for popularizing and refining the form of the tone poem, with works such as Don Juan, Til Eulenspiegel and Also Sprach Zarathustra that was made globally popular when it was used in the movie 2001 A Space Odyssey. Being the son of the principal horn player for the Munich Orchestra may have had something to do with the young Strauss’s ability to write for brass, but whatever his influences the brief fanfare certainly demonstrates his affinity for striking brass textures. The piece is scored for a large brass ensemble and timpani. Short but stirring, one can easily understand why this piece has remained in the repertoire of ensembles worldwide since its premiere in Vienna in 1924.