Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Richard Strauss with the album "Jessye Norman sings Strauss: Five Songs & Salome." This exquisite collection, released on January 21, 2022, by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, offers a rich tapestry of classical masterpieces that showcase the brilliance of both Strauss's compositional genius and Jessye Norman's extraordinary vocal prowess.
The album opens with a selection of Strauss's lieder, including gems like "Cäcilie" and "Ruhe, meine Seele," which highlight the composer's ability to blend poetic lyricism with profound emotional depth. These intimate songs are followed by the enchanting "Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme Suite," a suite that brims with charm and wit, offering a delightful journey through the opulent world of 17th-century French aristocracy.
The second half of the album is dedicated to excerpts from Strauss's opera "Salome," featuring the legendary Jessye Norman in a tour-de-force performance. The "Dance of the Seven Veils" is a highlight, showcasing Norman's stunning vocal agility and dramatic intensity. The closing scenes from "Salome" further demonstrate her unparalleled ability to convey the complex emotions of the title character, making this a truly unforgettable listening experience.
With a duration of 1 hour and 17 minutes, this album is a testament to the enduring power of Strauss's music and the timeless artistry of Jessye Norman. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
2021 London Philharmonic Orchestra2021 BBC
Tracks
4 Lieder, Op. 27, TrV 170: No. 2, CäcilieRichard Strauss, Klaus Tennstedt, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Jessye Norman
4 Lieder, Op. 27, TrV 170: No. 1, Ruhe, meine SeeleRichard Strauss, Klaus Tennstedt, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Jessye Norman
6 Lieder, Op. 37: No. 3, Meinem kindeRichard Strauss, Klaus Tennstedt, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Jessye Norman
5 Lieder, Op. 41: No. 1, WiegenliedRichard Strauss, Klaus Tennstedt, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Jessye Norman
8 Gedichte aus 'Letzte Blätter', Op. 10: No. 1, ZueignungRichard Strauss, Klaus Tennstedt, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Jessye Norman
Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme Suite, Op. 60: I. OvertureRichard Strauss, Klaus Tennstedt, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme Suite, Op. 60: II. MinuetRichard Strauss, Klaus Tennstedt, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme Suite, Op. 60: III. The Fencing MasterRichard Strauss, Klaus Tennstedt, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme Suite, Op. 60: IV. Entry and Dance of the TailorsRichard Strauss, Klaus Tennstedt, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme Suite, Op. 60: V. Lully's MinuetRichard Strauss, Klaus Tennstedt, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme Suite, Op. 60: VI. CouranteRichard Strauss, Klaus Tennstedt, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme Suite, Op. 60: VII. Entry of CléonteRichard Strauss, Klaus Tennstedt, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme Suite, Op. 60: VIII. Prelude to Act IIRichard Strauss, Klaus Tennstedt, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme Suite, Op. 60: IX. The DinnerRichard Strauss, Klaus Tennstedt, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Salome: Dance of the Seven VeilsRichard Strauss, Klaus Tennstedt, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Closing scene from Salome: Ah! Du wolltest mich nicht deinen Mund küssen lassenRichard Strauss, Klaus Tennstedt, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Jessye Norman
Closing scene from Salome: Nun wohl! Ich lebe nochRichard Strauss, Klaus Tennstedt, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Jessye Norman
Closing scene from Salome: Ah! Ich habe deinen Mund geküsst, JochanaanRichard Strauss, Klaus Tennstedt, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Jessye Norman