R. Strauss: Symphony in F minor; Romanze
Mari Fujiwara, cello, Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony, Hiroshi Wakasugi, conductor (Denon).
Denon has plugged some gaps in the Richard Strauss discography with its recordings of Richard Strauss’ ballet scores and it does so again here, with Strauss’ early F minor symphony. The 1883 work is no masterpiece, sounding like a rather anonymous German late 19th Century composer, with strong influences of Brahms and Bruch.
Certainly the lumbering outer movements give no indication of the assured virtuosity of Don Juan, which Strauss would write in five years. Still, the scherzo has its charm and the richly lyrical Adagio is quite lovely, if uncharacteristic. The melodic Romanze for cello and orchestra written around the same time makes a fine filler.
Not top-drawer Strauss, but worthwhile for rounding out our picture of the great composer to come.
