Strauss - Konzert for horn and orchestra

‘God, this feeble lack of melody! When is this aged youngster ever going to fall in love?’ Such was the opinion given by Hans von Bulow – one of the most distinguished conductors of his day – on the world premiere of the Concerto for Horn and Orchester No. 1 on 4 March 1885. However, it seems to have had little effect on the popularity of the piece. Richard Strauss’ Horn Concerto No. 1 still remains part of the standard repertoire of horn virtuosos today. Composed for the natural horn – a valveless predecessor of the modern horn – it offers soloists innumerable opportunities to prove their musical and technical prowess. It was written before 1883, reflecting the developmental stage of the 19-year-old Strauss, and was of course very different from the style of his later operas and symphonic poems.

Sonja Huber, February 2009