Strauss: Ein Heldenleben (1941) Mengelberg/Concertgebouw

Richard Strauss Ein Heldenleben Symphonic Poem for Orchestra, Op. 40 1. The Hero (0:07) 2. The Hero's adversaries (4:24) 3. The Hero's companion (7:43) 4. Theme of victory's certainty (13:16) 5. The Hero's battlefield (17:53) 6. War fanfares (19:23) 7. The Hero's works of peace (25:53) 8. The Hero's withdrawal from the world and fulfillment (32:28) 9. Resignation (36:23) (All timings approximate.) Willem Mengelberg, conductor The Concertgebouw Orchestra Ferdinand Helman-violin solo Recorded on April 21, 1941 at the Concertgebouw Although the composer denies it is autobiographical, "Ein Heldenleben" draws quotes from his earlier works and does give the impression that it might be, especially from the composer who considered himself to be "No less interesting than Napoleon". He dedicated the piece to Willem Mengelberg and the Concertgebouw, but it received it's premiere with Strauss himself conducting the Frankfurt Opern- und Museumsorchester in 1899. The present recording by Mengelberg is considered one of the best recordings of this and we have received many requests for it over the years. Field acoustic restoration (2023): Paul Howard - The Yucaipa Studio