Strauss: An Alpine Symphony / Four Songs, Op. 27

The Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra and conductor Nicholas Collon continue their series with a new album of orchestral works by Richard Strauss (1864–1949). It contains Strauss' longest and final major orchestral work, the "Alpine Symphony", as well as "Four Songs", Op. 27, sung by soprano Louise Alder. In memory of a mountain hike from his childhood, Strauss completed the "Alpine Symphony" in February 1915, which despite its title possesses the pictorial and narrative qualities that characterize the genre of 'tone poem', as well as the episodic form and thematic metamorphosis. The work is divided into twenty-two sections, some of which are very short. The orchestration requires at least 125 musicians, the largest ensemble in Strauss' entire oeuvre . Among the unusual instruments are the heckelphone, Wagner tubas, organ, cowbells, wind machine, thunder machine and a battalion of horns, trumpets and trombones behind the stage. Strauss' lavishly orchestrated "Four Songs", op. 27 are particularly intimate: He dedicated them to his wife for their wedding. The British soprano Louise Alder, one of the most sought-after artists of the present day is equally at home in the world's leading opera, concert and recital halls, including the Royal Opera House, the Vienna State Opera, the Bavarian State Opera, Carnegie Hall and the Wigmore Hall, where she held an artistic residency in 2024. The mission of the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra is to promote Finnish musical culture. In addition to the great masterpieces of classical and romantic music, contemporary music is an important part of its repertoire. Every year, a series of works commissioned by the Finnish Broadcasting Company Yle receive their premiere. The British conductor Nicholas Collon is known for his elegant conducting style, musical intellect and inspiring music. He took up his post as chief conductor of the Finnish Broadcasting Symphony Orchestra in 2021, after previously serving as chief conductor of the Residentie Orkest in The Hague.