“Symphonia Domestica“ by Richard Strauss (Audio + Sheet Music)

pf: George Szell cond/ Cleveland Orchestra 0:00 - Thema I, II, III 4:49 - Scherzo 16:25 - Adagio - Langsam 28:10 - Finale Symphonia Domestica (Domestic Symphony), Op. 53, is a tone poem for large orchestra by Richard Strauss. The work is a musical reflection of the secure domestic life so valued by the composer himself and, as such, harmoniously conveys daily events and family life. In 1898, Strauss became the chief conductor of the Royal Court Opera in Berlin. It was at this point in his life that the composer took a keen interest in his own circumstances and turned his attention to his status and personal history. When he began composing the Symphonia Domestica, he intended it to be the sequel to A Hero’s Life, the next installment of the autobiography of the now-successful artist. Of it, Strauss said “My next tone poem will represent a day in my family life. It will be partly lyrical, partly humorous – a triple fugue will bring together Papa, Mama and Baby.“