Richard Strauss: Aus Italien, Op. 16 & Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari: Suite Veneziana CD

Performed by Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin, Conducted by Ariane Matiaki

Product Information

• UPC: 845221053448
• Product Type: Classical Music CD
• Genre: Late Romantic / Early 20th Century Orchestral Music
• Language: Instrumental (No vocals)
• Orchestra: Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin
• Conductor: Ariane Matiaki
• Label: Capriccio / Deutschlandfunk Kultur
• Recording Dates: April 25–27, 2017
• Format: Audio CD
• Duration: Approximately 62 minutes
• Catalog Number: LC 08748

Overview

This exquisite recording features two masterworks of late Romantic and early 20th-century orchestral repertoire, performed by the Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin under the spirited direction of Ariane Matiaki.

The album opens with Richard Strauss’s “Aus Italien” (Op. 16, TrV 147), a symphonic fantasy composed in 1886 that vividly evokes the composer’s impressions of Italy through four richly colored movements:

• Auf der Campagna (In the Campagna) – a serene andante reflecting the Italian countryside,
• In Roms Ruinen (In the Ruins of Rome) – an energetic allegro molto capturing the grandeur of ancient ruins,
• Am Strande von Sorrent (On the Beach at Sorrento) – a lyrical andantino evoking coastal tranquility,
• Neapolitanisches Volksleben (Scenes from Neapolitan Life) – a lively allegro molto depicting vibrant local life.

Following Strauss, the album presents Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari’s “Suite Veneziana” for small orchestra (1935), a charming four-movement suite that paints vivid pictures of Venetian life and landscapes through delicate and expressive orchestration. Movements include In Laguna, Barcarola, Notturno – Canali solitari, and Alba di festa, each capturing unique moods from tranquil lagoons to festive mornings.

Together, these works offer a captivating journey through Italy’s cultural and natural beauty, interpreted with elegance and finesse by one of Germany’s finest orchestras and conductor.

Product Features

• Format & Duration: Audio CD, approx. 62 minutes total length
• Instrumentation: Full symphony orchestra with rich orchestral textures
• Recording Venue: RBB Sendesaal, Berlin
• Recording Team: Eberhard Hinz (Supervision), Aki Matusch (Engineer)
• Producers: Stefan Lang (Deutschlandfunk Kultur), Johannes Kernmayer (Capriccio)
• Label: Capriccio in co-production with Deutschlandfunk Kultur
• Publishing: Edition Peters (Richard Strauss), F.E.C. Leuckert (Wolf-Ferrari)
• Cover Image: © XtravaganT/stock.adobe.com

Interesting Facts

• Strauss’s Italian Inspiration: Composed after a trip to Italy, Aus Italien reflects Strauss’s youthful enthusiasm and romantic vision of the country, blending lyrical melodies with vivid orchestral colors.
• Wolf-Ferrari’s Venetian Suite: Wolf-Ferrari, known for blending Italian lyricism with German orchestral tradition, crafted the Suite Veneziana to evoke the picturesque moods of Venice with elegance and charm.
• Ariane Matiaki’s Leadership: The conductor brings a fresh and dynamic interpretation, balancing the romantic fervor and subtle nuances of these Italian-themed orchestral works.
• Orchestral Excellence: The Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin delivers a nuanced and expressive performance, capturing the contrasting atmospheres from pastoral serenity to festive exuberance.

Track Listing (Selected Movements)

Richard Strauss: Aus Italien, Op. 16

• I. Auf der Campagna (In the Campagna): Andante [9:13]
• II. In Roms Ruinen (In the Ruins of Rome): Allegro molto [12:15]
• III. Am Strande von Sorrent (On the Beach at Sorrento): Andantino [12:26]
• IV. Neapolitanisches Volksleben (Scenes from Neapolitan Life): Allegro molto [9:34]

Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari: Suite Veneziana

• 1. In Laguna (At the Lagoon): Andante tranquillo [5:03]
• 1. Barcarola (Barcarole): Andante un poco mosso [2:20]
• 1. Notturno - Canali solitari (Notturno - Lonely Canals): Adagio [6:24]
• 1. Alba di festa (Festive Morning): Andante mosso [4:35]

Publishers

Published by Edition Peters (Richard Strauss) and F.E.C. Leuckert (Wolf-Ferrari). Produced by Capriccio in cooperation with Deutschlandfunk Kultur, Vienna, 2017/2018. All rights reserved.

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• English: #RichardStrauss #AusItalien #ErmannoWolfFerrari #SuiteVeneziana #RundfunkSinfonieorchesterBerlin #ArianeMatiaki #Capriccio #DeutschlandfunkKultur #ClassicalMusic #OrchestralMusic #ItalianInspiredMusic