Richard Strauss 150th Birthday Celebration
Violinist Victoria Martino and pianist James Lent have established an international reputation over the past decade for their ambitious anniversary tributes to great composers. Join them in a spectacular celebration of Richard Strauss’ 150th birthday.
Considered by many to be the greatest musical figure of the 20th century, Richard Strauss is renowned and revered worldwide for his operas, Lieder, and symphonic poems. The legendary composer began to write music at the age of six, and took up the violin at the age of eight. It soon became his favorite instrument, and was featured prominently in compositions throughout his long career, beginning in 1882 with the hauntingly beautiful Violin Concerto in D minor.
On the monumental occasion of Richard Strauss’ 150th birthday, Victoria Martino and James Lent will perform the Violin Concerto in its rare original version for violin and piano, as premiered in Vienna with the composer himself on piano and his violin teacher and “cousin,” Benno Walter, as soloist. The musical centerpiece of the birthday celebration will be Strauss’ beloved Violin Sonata in E-flat of 1888, known for its broad expressive compass, ranging from explosive technical brilliance to lyrical and meditative improvisation.
The concert will also include a performance of Strauss’ final chamber composition, an Allegretto in E for violin and piano from 1940. There will be other musical birthday surprises during the evening to delight the ear and render homage to this titan among 20th century composers.