Richard Strauss’s single-act ballet Josephs Legende emerged in 1914 just as the world’s attention was turning to war. But with its exotic instrumental colouring and the composer’s intent to rejuvenate dance into a ‘purely inspirational form’ dedicated to ‘absolute beauty’, it reveals a great ballet composer and demonstrates his orchestral mastery to the full. Josephs Legende is a parable about struggles between good and evil based on the familiar Old Testament story of the slave boy Joseph. The work’s dramatic tale is set with alluring sensuality expressed through Strauss’s gift for soaring themes.
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Reviews
“… As do many musicians now, Bollon plainly takes a more serious view of Strauss’s later works… I find the epic reading here most satisfying. The Staatskapelle Halle has 115 members, which happens to be the number Strauss requires to play so vivid an orchestral workout. The recorded sound is good, picking up the many details with which the music abounds. If like me you can never get enough of postromantic glories, look no further.”
Don O’Connor – American Record Guide – July/August 2024
“… Fabrice Bollon’s performance is a lyrical and involving one, with excellent playing from the orchestra…”
Christian Hoskins – Gramophone magazine – May 2024
Performance **** Recording ****
“… Halle’s Staatskapelle and their conductor Fabrice Bolton rise to these challenges in a performance that is bold and daring, with just the right amount of lyrical tenderness in the score’s more reflective moments.”
John-Pierre Joyce – BBC Music magazine – May 2024
“… a rewarding recording of Richard Strauss’ first ballet score.” *****
Guy Engels – Pizzicato.lu – 8 March 2024
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