Richard Strauss Joseph Silverstein, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa - Ein Heldenleben

aniellec

Review by anielle casagrande

Ein Heldenleben: Strauss’ Ego Trip Set to Music (And It’s Glorious) Let’s cut to the chase—Richard Strauss wasn’t exactly known for his modesty, and Ein Heldenleben (or “A Hero’s Life”) is basically him writing a 50-minute orchestral selfie. Released in 1982 on Philips with Seiji Ozawa at the helm of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, this album isn’t just classical music; it’s an over-the-top symphonic soap opera. With Joseph Silverstein flexing his violin muscles as both soloist and concertmaster, you get the full Romantic-to-Modern rollercoaster ride. And trust me, some parts stick in your brain like that one Taylor Swift lyric you can’t unhear. Track Highlights First up, let’s talk about “Der Held” (“The Hero”). If ever there was a piece of music that screamed, “Look at me, I’m amazing!”—this is it. From the opening bars, the orchestra swaggers onto the scene like they own the place. The strings are bold, the brass is blaring, and it’s all so gloriously self-indulgent that you almost feel guilty enjoying it. Almost. What makes this track unforgettable? Well, imagine if Thor had a theme song—it’d sound something like this. Big, brassy, and unapologetically heroic, it’s the kind of music that makes you want to stand on a hilltop and shout nonsense into the wind. Then there’s “Des Helden Gefährtin” (“The Hero’s Companion”), which is essentially Strauss showing off his softer side. This movement is lush, lyrical, and dripping with romance—think less “hero slaying dragons” and more “hero serenading someone under their balcony.” Silverstein’s violin steals the spotlight here, weaving through the orchestra like a lovesick poet whispering sweet nothings. There’s a moment around two-thirds in where everything slows down just enough to make you hold your breath—and then BAM, the full force of the orchestra comes crashing back in. It’s dramatic, it’s cinematic, and honestly, it’s a little bit ridiculous—but in the best possible way. Why You’ll Remember This Album This recording has personality for days. Sure, it’s from 1982, but it doesn’t feel dated. The Boston Symphony Orchestra sounds tight under Ozawa’s baton, and Silverstein’s playing adds that extra sprinkle of magic. Plus, Strauss’ knack for storytelling means you don’t need to know German or read William Mann’s liner notes to follow along—you can practically see the hero battling enemies and falling in love without any visuals. Oh, and fun fact: the photography credit goes to Claude Delorme, whose pictures probably didn’t capture half the drama happening inside the music. Speaking of visuals, if this album were a movie, it’d be directed by someone who insists on using every special effect imaginable. Explosions? Check. Love scenes? Double check. A vague sense of existential crisis? Oh yeah. Final Thoughts Listening to Ein Heldenleben feels like eavesdropping on Strauss having a midlife crisis—but instead of buying a sports car, he wrote a symphonic poem about himself. Is it pretentious? Absolutely. But is it also wildly entertaining? 100%. By the time you hit the final notes of “Des Helden Weltflucht Und Vollendung,” you’ll either be exhausted or exhilarated—or both. Either way, you won’t forget it anytime soon. So next time you’re in the mood for classical music that’s equal parts bombastic and beautiful, give this one a spin. Just don’t blame me if you start hearing it in your dreams. Or while grocery shopping. Or during meetings. Okay, maybe blame me a little.

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: richard-strauss-joseph-silverstein-boston-symphony-orchestra.zip
  • MP3 size: 18.6 mb
  • FLAC size: 152.7 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Des Helden Walstatt (Schluß) - Des Helden Friedenswerke - Des Helden Weltflucht Und Vollendung23:14
Der Held - Des Helden Widersacher - Des Helden Gefährtin - Des Helden Walstatt (Anfang)21:13
Ein Heldenleben ("A Hero's Life") Op. 40 Symphonic Poem For Large Orchestra

Images

ladda ner album Richard Strauss Joseph Silverstein, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa - Ein Heldenleben
baixar álbum Richard Strauss Joseph Silverstein, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa - Ein Heldenleben
télécharger l'album Richard Strauss Joseph Silverstein, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa - Ein Heldenleben
descargar álbum Richard Strauss Joseph Silverstein, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa - Ein Heldenleben
lataa albumi Richard Strauss Joseph Silverstein, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa - Ein Heldenleben
last ned album Richard Strauss Joseph Silverstein, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa - Ein Heldenleben

Catalog Numbers

  • 6514 222
  • 400 073

Labels

Philips

Listen online

  • écouter en ligne
  • lytte på nettet
  • online anhören
  • kuunnella verkossa
  • ouvir online
  • ascolta in linea
  • escuchar en línea
  • online luisteren
  • lyssna på nätet

Formats

  • Vinyl
  • LP
  • CD
  • Album
  • Reissue

Companies

RoleCompany
Copyright (c)Phonogram International B.V.
Printed ByNeef
Manufactured ByPolygram, Hanover, West Germany

Credits

RoleCredit
Composed ByRichard Strauss
ConductorRichard Strauss
Liner NotesWilliam Mann
OrchestraBoston Symphony Orchestra
Photography ByClaude Delorme
ViolinJoseph Silverstein
SoloistJoseph Silverstein

Notes

  • Liner notes in English, German, and French.
  • "Digital recording"
  • "Printed in The Netherlands" (back cover)
  • "Made in Holland" (label)
  • © Phonogram International B.V. • Printed in West Germany • Made in West Germany
  • Manufactured by Polygram in Hanover, West Germany

Barcodes

  • Barcode: 3259140007326
  • Matrix / Runout: 400073 2 01

About Richard Strauss Joseph Silverstein, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa

Album herunterladen Richard Strauss Joseph Silverstein, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa - Ein Heldenlebenlast ned album Richard Strauss Joseph Silverstein, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa - Ein Heldenlebenlataa albumi Richard Strauss Joseph Silverstein, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa - Ein Heldenlebendescargar álbum Richard Strauss Joseph Silverstein, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa - Ein Heldenlebentélécharger l'album Richard Strauss Joseph Silverstein, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa - Ein Heldenlebenbaixar álbum Richard Strauss Joseph Silverstein, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa - Ein Heldenleben
German Classical composer, born June 11, 1864, in Munich, died September 8, 1949, in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. He is best known for his composition 'Also sprach Zarathustra' and the operas 'Salome' and 'Elektra'. His father was the musician .

Real Name

    • Richard Georg Strauss

Name Vars

  • Dr. Richard Strauß
  • Generalmusikdirektor Dr. Rich. Strauß
  • Generalmusikdirektor Dr. Richard Strauß
  • J. Strauss
  • Prokofjew
  • R Strauss
  • R. Estrauss
  • R. Strauss
  • R. Strauß
  • R. Trauss
  • R. Štrauss
  • R. ·åÈ馹
  • R.Strauss
  • R.Struss
  • R.·åÈ馹
  • Ricardo Strauss
  • Riccardo Strauss
  • Rich. Strauss
  • Rich. Strauß
  • Richard G. Strauss
  • Richard Georg Strauss
  • Richard Straus
  • Richard Strauss mit großem Blasorchester
  • Richard Strauß
  • Rihards Štrauss
  • Rû·åÈ馹
  • Straus
  • Strauss
  • Strauss Den Yngre
  • Strauss R.
  • Strauss Richard
  • Strauss, R.
  • Strauss, Richard
  • Strauss/Strauss
  • Strauß
  • Р. Штраус
  • Рихард Штраус
  • Рихард Штраусс
  • Рихард Щраус
  • Ричард Штраус
  • Штраус
  • Штраус Рихард
  • êÒãëÈû·åÈ馹

Interesting fact about Album

Did you know? Richard Strauss's *Ein Heldenleben* ("A Hero's Life") is basically his musical autobiography. Composed in 1898, it reflects his own life and struggles, with the "hero" being Strauss himself. The piece even includes a love theme for his wife, Pauline, played by the violin—here performed by Joseph Silverstein. This 1982 recording by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Seiji Ozawa, brings together Romantic and Modern styles, making it feel both timeless and fresh. Fun twist: the album cover photo was taken by Claude Delorme, tying art and music together in one iconic package.