Richard Strauss was enveloped in fame from his youth to the last years of his life. The path of the triumphant turned out to be brilliant, long and difficult. The work of the master caused fierce discussions, he was attacked more than once. But all these troubles only strengthened Strauss's influence and expanded his popularity.
Strauss: the first steps to the musical Olympus
Unquenchable creative energy, versatile abilities and talents, the ability to be irreplaceable - all these qualities perfectly describe the personality of Richard Strauss. He was born on June 11, 1864 in Munich, Germany. Strauss's father came from a peasant environment, but he managed to achieve a position in the society of aristocrats. Franz Josef was one of the finest musicians in the court orchestra. Strauss's mother, Josefina, came from a noble brewer's family, but received an excellent musical education. There were many musicians in her family. Mother and became the first teacher of young Richard. She gave him piano lessons from the age of four.
Richard's talent for music emerged very early. At the age of six, he was already composing plays, wrote an overture for orchestra. Parents spared no effort and money in order to give their son general education and musical training. After high school, he studied at the University of Munich, where Strauss studied philosophy and history of music.
At the age of eleven, Richard learned orchestration under the careful guidance of the conductor F. Meyer. Taking part in the activities of an amateur orchestra, Strauss mastered several instruments, which rendered him invaluable assistance in further independent creativity.
In less than five years, Strauss was very successful in music, so studying at the conservatory turned out to be superfluous. At the age of 18, Richard was already writing a lot, trying himself in a variety of genres. Against the background of chamber plays, Strauss's works were distinguished by a touch of romance and bright melody.
The path to glory
Richard's interests were very diverse. A young man with an early start to thinning hair felt comfortable in any setting. Strauss did not neglect entertainment, he could often be seen at balls. The life of a musician was full of fleeting romantic hobbies. However, deep feelings were not yet familiar to him. All thoughts of Richard were occupied by music. Over time, the largest musical authorities in Europe began to pay more and more attention to Strauss.
Bülow, who was distinguished by his severity, at first treated Strauss with a very restrained attitude. But after getting acquainted with the works of Richard, his opinion changed: he called the young musician an extremely gifted person, comparing him with Brahms. When Strauss was 21 years old, Bülow introduced him to the position of conductor of the court orchestra.
The conditions for the development of the musician were extremely successful. He soon decided to visit Italy. The trip took no more than a month, but Richard was fed up with impressions. Acquaintance with Italy removed the internal barriers, which until then held back the composer's creative impulses. From that moment on, Strauss felt at ease and even allowed himself to violate the musical canons.
In 1887, Strauss presented to the public a symphonic fantasy "From Italy". The premiere made a splash and even caused a wave of indignation. And the composer was just looking for new forms, trying to find his own path in music. The scandal that broke out made Strauss a rather popular figure in high society.
Personal life of Richard Strauss
While vacationing in the vicinity of Munich in the summer of 1887, Richard met a girl. Her name was Paulina de Ana. The girl's father was a high-ranking military man, but was far from the prejudices of his caste. The general graciously received Strauss and did not obstruct the feeling that had flared up between the young people.
When Richard left Munich and moved to Weimar to become the second conductor of the court theater, Paulina went after him. Several years passed, young people got married. For more than half a century, this decisive and domineering woman remained a wife, best friend, faithful assistant to her famous, world-famous husband.
At the height of musical fame
Inspired by Strauss, he creates a piece that propelled him to the forefront of world music representatives. It is about the symphonic poem "Don Juan". It was performed on 11 November 1889 in Weimar under the direction of Richard himself. The premiere was a significant event in German public life. The audience so enthusiastically received this versatile piece of music that the author could not even hide his surprise. Bülow gave a very high appraisal of Don Juan. From that moment on, real fame came to the composer.
At the end of the 19th century, Strauss performed at symphony concerts in France, England, Holland, Belgium, Spain and Italy. During the same period, he visited Moscow. Strus left Munich to become the conductor of the Berlin Court Opera. It was the best theater in Europe at the time. Richard Strauss's many contributions have since been widely and universally recognized.
Ahead was an eventful life that was not always cloudless. However, Strauss retained the title of the first composer of Germany. The musician's powerful health began to fail when he turned 86. He began to experience bouts of weakness and even heart attacks. It came to a temporary loss of consciousness. The great German composer quietly and without suffering passed away on September 8, 1949.
In the history of world music, Richard Strauss has remained an excellent composer, virtuoso conductor, author of operas and symphonic poems. In memory of him, the Richard Strauss Festival of Classical Music is held annually.
