They loved. They fought. For better or for worse. The trials and tribulations of Strauss’s own private life inspired these works that portray a frank, realistic view of married life.Maestro Leon Botstein shares the stories behind the music in a lively 30-minute Conductor’s Notes Q&A at 7 PM in Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage. Free for all ticket holders.

 

4 Symphonic Interludes from Intermezzo
Life before password protection. In Strauss’s opera Intermezzo, a composer’s wife opens his mail and finds a love letter from a fan, leading to marital crisis. The arc of the couple’s drama is palpable in these beautifully lyric orchestral interludes from the opera.

Parergon on Symphonia Domestica
The composer elaborated on the “Child” theme from his Symphonia Domestica in this work composed for left-handed pianist Paul Wittgenstein. This time the child falls feverishly ill and his parents panic—as happened with Strauss’s son, Franz—before the sickness subsides and peace is restored.

Symphonia Domestica
Strauss’s home was truly his castle. Family life takes the spotlight in this massive work, from child’s play to lullaby, and romance to strife. This piece had its world premiere at Carnegie Hall 110 years ago, under Strauss’s baton.

VIDEO

WQXR’s Elliott Forrest & ASO’s Music Director, Leon Botstein, discuss Marriage Actually

Symphonia Domestica