Four Symphonic Interludes from "Intermezzo" RICHARD STRAUSS (1864-1949) Intermezzo is, as Strauss’ expert Bryan Gilliam put it, “an autobiographical, bourgeois sex comedy built around the theme of Strauss’ stormy relationship with his own wife, Pauline”. Since the days of Monteverdi operas have dealt with “grand” topics. Composers and librettists told the stories of mythological heroes, priests, divas, witches, warlords, kings, and other prominent figures. Following the Realism in the arts at the end of the 19th century, and especially after WW1, operas started to present much “smaller” stories of ordinary, simple characters. In “Intermezzo”, which this year celebrates the 100th anniversary of its premiere, the plot is based on a “small” accident which happened to Strauss himself. In 1902, while conducting on tour away from home, Strauss received an angry letter from his wife, accusing him of adultery and asking for an immediate divorce. The reason for her anger was a love letter from a female fan sent to their house. However, that letter was meant to be sent to another conductor - Joseph Stransky, who had the nickname of “Straussky”. Don’t worry - the misunderstanding ca. 25 mins. was clarified and the couple stayed together. The opera is written in short scenes linked by orchestral interludes. The interludes enable set changes between the scenes while keeping the dramatic and musical tension. Without any words they tell us a considerable part of the plot. Four of these interludes were compiled by Strauss to form an independent suite, which we play tonight. The first interlude, Travel Fever and Waltz Scene, links two different scenes. Christine, the character based on Pauline, prepares her husband Robert, the character based on Richard, for a concert tour. One can find in the music the feeling of rush, which everyone who has ever hurried to an airport knows well. Piano playing changes the atmosphere and announces the sounds of a lovely Waltz. For a moment it feels as if we are not listening to Richard Strauss - but to the King of Waltz, Johann Strauss. Christine is in a toboggan party (this kind of gathering is quite unfamiliar to us in the Middle East), dancing with a young, handsome, yet not so intelligent, baron. Christine Travel Fever and Waltz Scene Dreaming by the Fireside At the Card Table Happy Conclusion First IPO Performance
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