RICHARD-STRAUSS-FEST

»Once upon a time, there was a jester«: With these fairy-tale-like words, Richard Strauss introduces the prologue of his programmatic music »Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche« (Till Eulenspiegels Merry Pranks), thereby both presenting the mischievous protagonist and establishing the orchestra as the storyteller. The vividly colourful tone poem »Don Juan« and the symphonic interludes from Strauss’ autobiographically inspired opera »Intermezzo« also thrive on an expressive orchestral sound. For the 90-member Deutsche Radio Philharmonie, this is a perfect fit: the orchestra devotes itself entirely to the late Romantic composer Richard Strauss, presenting Strauss’s symphonic masterpieces and heartfelt orchestral songs with former Ludwigsburg Festival chief conductor Pietari Inkinen. Strauss’ premiere audience was enthralled by Till Eulenspiegel’s »witty yet coarse humour«, which »barely gave the listener a moment to catch their breath.« In 2025, the grand orchestral work will celebrate the 130th anniversary of its premiere – and it has lost none of its captivating charm.

This concert is part of Festival Subscription I.