Oct 4th, 2008 · Four Last Songs, by German composer Richard Strauss, is a song cycle marked by the awareness and acceptance of death. A new recording captures world-famous soprano Renee Fleming as she sings his last pieces for a second time — this time with a new direction.
Aug 18th, 2007 · Host Debbie Elliott notes the 25th anniversary of the Compact Disc. There's some dispute about what was on that first CD, but by some accounts it was ABBA's last album, "The Visitors." Others insist is was Richard Strauss's Alpine Symphony.
Nov 30th, 2006 · Conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen talks about the remarkable tone poem Richard Strauss wrote about Till Eulenspiegel, a legendary figure from German folklore. And then Salonen conducts the Los Angeles Philharmonic's performance of Strauss' "Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks."
Nov 27th, 2006 · Monday marks the beginning of five performances in a row with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, in concert at Disney Hall in L.A. Music director Esa-Pekka Salonen gives Performance Today his insights into the music, and leads a performance of Richard Strauss' tone poem "Don Juan."
Aug 4th, 2006 · German soprano Elisabeth Schwarzkopf died Thursday at age 90. Along with Maria Callas, she was considered one of the greatest opera singers of the 20th century. Here's some commentary on her life and career, followed by Schwarzkopf singing music by Richard Strauss.
Aug 2nd, 2006 · In the spirit of mixing and matching music on MP3 players, Performance Today mixes a set of four short pieces, back to back, by Benjamin Britten, J.S. Bach, Mozart and Richard Strauss.
Feb 7th, 2006 · Jessye Norman talks with NPR's Fred Child about her friend, Coretta Scott King. And in tribute to King on the day of her funeral, we hear Norman sing "Beim Schlafengehen," one of the Four Last Songs by Richard Strauss. Kurt Masur conducts the Gewandhaus Orchestra of Leipzig.