Composer: Richard Strauss
Works: Ein Heldenleben, Tod und Verklärung
Performers: Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam, Willem Mengelberg (conductor)
Recording: Recorded in the Concertgebouw, Amsterdam, 21 April 1941 and 14 April 1942
Label: NAXOS HISTORICAL 8.110161
Richard Strauss, one of the titans of late-Romantic music, has long been celebrated for his ability to weave intricate narratives through orchestral textures. The two works presented here, “Ein Heldenleben” and “Tod und Verklärung,” illustrate not only Strauss’s compositional prowess but also his deep understanding of the orchestral palette. The recordings by Willem Mengelberg and the Concertgebouw Orchestra, made during the fraught years of World War II, resonate with historical significance, capturing a moment when artistry stood defiantly against the backdrop of turmoil.
Mengelberg’s interpretation of “Ein Heldenleben” is particularly noteworthy for its rich orchestral color and nuanced phrasing. From the outset, the precision of the string articulation in the hero’s introduction reveals an orchestra steeped in discipline, honed over decades under Mengelberg’s meticulous guidance. The swagger and grandeur he imbues into this section evoke a sense of nobility, often missing in contemporary interpretations that prioritize speed and virtuosity over emotional depth. The contrasting woodwind commentary, which could easily have been caricatured by a less sensitive conductor, is treated with a light touch that enhances its musicality rather than allowing it to dominate the texture.
The subsequent “Battle” episode demonstrates Mengelberg’s remarkable ability to merge power with restraint. Unlike many modern conductors who might exacerbate the chaotic elements for sheer dramatic effect, Mengelberg maintains a keen focus on the underlying musical structure. The bass tubas, brilliantly captured in Obert-Thorn’s restoration, resonate with a profound weight, grounding the tumultuous orchestration in a palpable sense of gravity. The acoustic of the Concertgebouw itself plays a significant role here, allowing the orchestra’s sound to bloom in a manner that modern venues often struggle to replicate.
In “Tod und Verklärung,” the emotional intensity escalates, particularly in the climactic struggle against death. The timpani strokes at the opening are delivered with striking clarity, drawing the listener into the unfolding drama. Mengelberg’s interpretation conveys a sense of desperation and regret that lingers long after the final notes fade. This performance transcends mere technical execution, highlighting the humanity embedded in Strauss’s music. The culmination of this piece, marked by an aching nostalgia, is rendered with a sensitivity that is both arresting and deeply felt.
The sound quality of these recordings, while bearing the marks of their era, is commendably restored. Mark Obert-Thorn’s engineering captures the hall’s vibrant acoustic, providing a sound that is surprisingly full-bodied given the limitations of wartime recording technology. The slight surface hiss is inconsequential when one is immersed in the musical dialogue, where every detail speaks of an intense artistic partnership.
Mengelberg’s interpretations may diverge from the more polished, formulaic performances common today, but they resonate with a conviction that reveals the depth of Strauss’s orchestral writing. The comparison with Mengelberg’s earlier recording with the New York Philharmonic in 1928 shows a distinct evolution; the 1941 performance, while perhaps less technically flashy, penetrates deeper into the emotional core of the scores. This partnership between Mengelberg and the Concertgebouw Orchestra remains a benchmark, exemplifying a golden age of orchestral sound that is both thrilling and illuminating.
This Naxos Historical release not only serves as a testament to the artistry of Mengelberg and the Concertgebouw Orchestra but also as a vital document of a time when music provided solace and strength amid chaos. The performances captured here are essential listening for any serious Strauss aficionado, showcasing both the grandeur of the compositions and the unparalleled synergy between conductor and orchestra during a remarkable chapter in music history.
