Immerse yourself in the world of 17th-century French comedy with Richard Strauss' "Strauss: Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme." This captivating album, released on January 1, 1999, under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, is a brilliant orchestral and operatic interpretation of Molière's comedy-ballet "The Bourgeois Gentleman." Strauss' masterful composition brings to life the humorous and satirical tale of Monsieur Jourdain, a wealthy middle-class man who aspires to become a nobleman, through a rich tapestry of musical numbers and dances.
Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 54 minutes, the album is a testament to Strauss' genius, seamlessly blending classical, orchestral, and operatic elements. The tracklist is a journey through the three acts of Molière's play, each track building upon the previous one to create a cohesive and engaging narrative. From the overture that sets the stage, to the intricate dances and musical conversations, to the dramatic interludes and comedic intermezzi, Strauss' composition is a feast for the ears.
The album is a must-listen for fans of classical music, opera, and orchestral performances. Strauss' unique interpretation of Molière's work is a testament to his versatility and creativity as a composer. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Strauss: Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme" is an album that will leave a lasting impression. So, sit back, relax, and let the enchanting melodies and rhythms of Richard Strauss transport you to the world of 17th-century France.
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 1: OvertureRichard Strauss, Peter Ustinov, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 1: "It was recently..."Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 1: Entry of Monsieur JourdainRichard Strauss, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 1: "I'm sorry..."Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 1: Jourdain's CoupletRichard Strauss, Peter Ustinov, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 1: "The Dancing Master..."Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 1: Musical ConversationRichard Strauss, Bodil Arnesen, Christa Mayer, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 1: "That was most refreshing..."Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 1: Menuet (Dance Master)Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 1: "Monsieur Jourdain, breathless..."Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 1: Fencing Instruction SceneRichard Strauss, Peter Ustinov, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 1: "Repeat the movement..."Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 1: Entry and Dance of the TailorsRichard Strauss, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 1: "It is shortly after midday..."Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 1: End of Act 1Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 2: PreludeRichard Strauss, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 2: "Monsieur Jourdain, still..."Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 2: Entry CleonteRichard Strauss, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 2: "Two men..." and continuation of CleonteRichard Strauss, Peter Ustinov, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 2: "The two strangers..."Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 2: IntermezzoRichard Strauss, Peter Ustinov, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 2: "During the intermezzo..."Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 2: The DinnerRichard Strauss, Peter Ustinov, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 2: "Dorimene, while ..."Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 2: CouranteRichard Strauss, Peter Ustinov, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 2: "Alcohol still has..."Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 2: End of Act 2Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 3: Prelude alla SicilienneRichard Strauss, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 3: "The next day..."Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 3: MelodramRichard Strauss, Peter Ustinov, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 3: "The two lackeys call out..."Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 3: The Turkish CeremonyRichard Strauss, Florian Cerny, via-nova-Chor München, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 3: "The dervishes stop..."Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov
Der Bürger als Edelmann - Comedy with dances by Molière / Act 3: End of Act 3Richard Strauss, Peter Ustinov, Florian Cerny, Bodil Arnesen, Christa Mayer, via-nova-Chor München, Munich Chamber Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher