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Richard Strauss' Four Last Songs

An exploration of the impact of Four Last Songs by Richard Strauss, which deal with the themes of love and death. From 2009.

Richard Strauss was aged 84 when he completed his final composition.

It was 'Four Last Songs', which, although dealing death, conveys a sense of calm acceptance.

Though written in 1948, it still touches the hearts of many listeners today.

As the soprano voice delves ever deeper into the richness of the music, interviewees tell how the Four Last Songs have brought calm and beauty at key moments in their lives.

Featuring:

Alan Yentob
Michael Kennedy
Gillian Weir
Margaret Nelson
Jamie Nichols
Gabe Meline

Series exploring famous pieces of music and their emotional appeal.

Producer: Rosie Boulton

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2009.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Saturday00:00
BBC Radio 4 Extra

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Music Played

  • Jessye Norman

    Fruhling (Hesse) Four Last Songs

    • Gewandhausorchesterb Leipzig.
    • RICHARD STRAUSS VIER LETZTE LIEDER.

  • Jessye Norman

    September (Hesse) Four Last Songs)

    • Kurt Masur;.
    • GEWANDHAUSORCHESTERB LEIPZIG.

  • Jessye Norman

    Beim Schlafengehen (Hesse)

    • Kurt Masur;.
    • GEWANDHAUSORCHESTERB LEIPZIG.

  • Jessye Norman

    Im Abendrot (Eichendorff)

    • Kurt Masur;.
    • GEWANDHAUSORCHESTERB LEIPZIG.

Credit

ComposerRichard Strauss

Broadcasts

  • Tue 29 Sep 200913:30
    BBC Radio 4
  • Sat 3 Oct 200915:30
    BBC Radio 4
  • Fri 10 Jun 201618:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Sat 11 Jun 201600:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 26 Jan 202118:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 27 Jan 202100:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Friday10:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Friday16:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Saturday00:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra

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Podcast

  • Soul Music

    Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact