Strauss's Symphonia Domestica

The Symphonia Domestica, Op. 53 is a singular composition by Richard Strauss. The idea of composing a symphonic poem based on elements of everyday life, particularly centred on his family, reflects his vision of life during this period. For Strauss, family represented an important pillar, namely his wife Pauline, whom he married in 1894, and his son Franz, who would be born three years later, in 1897. The choice of programme, albeit 'domestic', points to this period of family stability; thus, the musical themes allude to the figures of the husband, the wife and the son. The composer finished the work in 1903, shortly before beginning his tour of the United States of America. The work premiered on 21 March 1904 at Carnegie Hall in New York, performed by the Wetzler Symphony Orchestra. In Vienna, in the same year, the premiere was conducted by Gustav Mahler. Although well received, the 'family' theme gave rise to some criticism. The work Four Last Songs, of great emotional intensity, was composed in 1948, constituting one of his final efforts. Revealing his musical fullness, it premiered in 1950 at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Pre-concert talk by Rui Campos Leitão at 4:30 PM. El Corte Inglés supports the CCB Classical Music Mediation Programme.