Composer

:

Richard Strauss

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Tone Poem

Compose Date

:

1886

Average_duration

:

42:49

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Richard Strauss composed 'Aus Italien, Op. 16' in 1886, when he was just 22 years old. The piece is a symphonic poem in four movements, and it premiered on March 2, 1887, in Munich, Germany. The first movement, "In the Campagna," is a depiction of the Italian countryside. It begins with a pastoral melody played by the woodwinds, which is then taken up by the strings. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the brass and percussion joining in, until it reaches a climax. The movement ends with a return to the peaceful opening theme. The second movement, "In Rome," is a musical portrait of the city. It begins with a lively, bustling theme played by the strings, which is then taken up by the woodwinds and brass. The music becomes more and more frenzied, with Strauss using a variety of orchestral colors to create a vivid picture of the city's energy and excitement. The third movement, "On the Beach at Sorrento," is a lyrical and romantic piece. It begins with a gentle melody played by the strings, which is then taken up by the woodwinds. The music gradually becomes more passionate, with the brass and percussion joining in, until it reaches a climax. The movement ends with a return to the peaceful opening theme. The final movement, "Neapolitan Folk Life," is a lively and colorful depiction of the people and culture of Naples. It begins with a jaunty theme played by the woodwinds, which is then taken up by the strings and brass. The music becomes more and more exuberant, with Strauss using a variety of folk melodies and rhythms to create a vivid picture of the city's vibrant street life. Overall, 'Aus Italien, Op. 16' is a youthful and exuberant work, full of energy, color, and vivid musical imagery. It showcases Strauss's early talent for orchestration and his ability to create evocative musical portraits of people and places.

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