Search - Richard Strauss, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Stewart Rose :: Richard Strauss: Sonatinen Nos. 1 & 2

These late works by Richard Strauss, written in the 1940s for wind ensembles, are still relatively little known. They are quite different in style from Strauss's best-known, large-scale, noisy orchestral works, and may well appeal to listeners who find Ein Heldenleben just "too much." Musicians love to play the Sonatinas, and a number of fine recordings of the music are available. But the collegial style of Orpheus, the ensemble's incredible precision and verve, and the particularly fine recording make this disc a clear first choice for this music. --Leslie Gerber