ALBAN BERG Violin Concerto “To the memory of the angel”
RICHARD STRAUSS Ein Heldenleben (A Hero’s Life), symphonic poem, Op. 40

Christian Altenburger violin
Filharmonie Brno
conductor Dennis Russell Davies

Among the three stars of the Second Viennese School – Arnold Schoenberg, Anton Webern and Alban Berg – the last-mentioned composer is considered the most romantic and lyrical, as demonstrated by, among other pieces, his violin concerto composed in 1935. Alban Berg (1885–1935) wrote the work when he was deeply affected by the death of the much loved Manon, daughter of Alma Mahler and the architect Walter Gropius, and dedicated it “to the memory of an angel”. He did not live much longer than his Angel: he died on Christmas Eve that same year, without ever hearing his last completed work performed.

Of Richard Strauss’s (1864–1949) symphonic poems, his 40th opus, A Hero’s Life, completed in December 1898, occupies a very special place. Not only is it written for the largest orchestra Strauss had used to date (significantly bolstering the woodwinds and brass sections and asking for two harps), but more importantly it represents the culmination of the composer’s tendency to project himself into his works.

When and how on sale?

You can buy the concert on its own or as a part of the “TAILOR-MADE SEASON” or as a part of the SUBSCRIPTION Filharmonie in the Theatre II / GLAMOROUS till the 1st concert of the subscription.

Enjoy listening to:

Richard Strauss: Ein Heldenleben
Alban Berg: Violin Concerto “To the memory of an angel”