Richard Strauss: Death and Transfiguration (1942) Mengelberg/COA

Richard Strauss Death and Transfiguration, Op. 24 Willem Mengelberg, conductor The Concertgebouw Orchestra Recorded on April 14, 1942 at The Concertgebouw, Amsterdam Richard Strauss was very young when he composed “Death and Transfiguration“. Critics and audiences alike were amazed to hear such sensitive and mature music from a composer of his age, but Strauss was also beginning to amaze from the podium as well. His mastery of the most demanding scores brought him great fame in Vienna and throughout Europe. During the ensuing years, he would continue to distinguish himself as both a great conductor, but also as one of the greatest composers of the early 20th century. Willem Mengelberg’s reputation with his music was equally distinguished, with the composer himself among his greatest admirers. The present recording of “Death“ has long been regarded as one of the finest. It is offered here again in a new, and much better, restoration.