For our final “Midweek Melody,” we have chosen Richard Strauss’ Serenade in E-flat major, Op. 7. Strauss was seventeen when he composed this piece in 1881. Unlike many of Richard’s later works, which were often very progressive and atonal, this music is melodic and lyrical, and the themes often revel in the rich, full sound of the 13 wind instruments. The recapitulation begins with what is perhaps the most evocatively beautiful moment in the Serenade, as the horns announce the very first theme with great warmth. Richard’s father, a well-known hornist, was most likely very influential in the writing of this piece!

The video is located on our YouTube channel by using the following link:

Richard Strauss "Serenade in E-flat major, Op. 7" - YouTube

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Performers:
Conductor - Kevin Kozacek
Flute - Cheryl Riggle, Nora Welsh; Oboe - Suzanne Johnsen, Brian Held; Clarinet - Annemarie Strzelecki, Christian Ortega; Bassoon - Gina Stevens, Michelle Horowitz; Horn - Philip Johnson, Steven Thomasson, Anita Murray, Chris Clark; Tuba - Michael Burt