Strauss: Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40, TrV 190
A Hero's Life
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- Composer: Richard Strauss (1864-1949)
- Editor: Nick Pfefferkorn
- Format: Full Score
- Instrumentation: Orchestra
- Work: Ein Heldenleben (A Hero's Life), TrV 190, Op. 40
- ISMN:
- Size: 10.6 x 14.2 inches
- Pages: 176
- Urtext / Critical Edition
Description
"The others spit venom and bile, mainly because they believed that the rather ugly descriptions of the naysayers and opponents were meant to be about themselves." This comment, as well as his performance instructions for the woodwinds, "very-sharp and pointed, rattling, hissing" (at that time still titled The Hero's Adversary), were intended to emphasize once again how little Strauss cared about the chatter of his critics. The genesis of A Hero's Life is closely linked to that of its antagonist, the tragicomic figure of Don Quixote. Strauss originally intended both works to be performed together, i.e. in the same concert.
Breitkopf & Härtel's Urtext edition not only evaluates all known sources (including the autograph and the score, corrected by Walter Seiffert), but also makes the original "pianissimo ending," which was discarded shortly before the premiere, accessible and performable again.
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Choral Score
A score for vocalists that only contains the vocal lines. The instrumental parts are not there for reference. Generally, cheaper than a vocal score and requires multiple copies for purchase.
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Study Score
A small (think choral size) copy of the complete score meant for studying, and not playing. They make great add-ons when learning concertos and small chamber works.
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A score prepared for vocalists that includes the piano/organ part or a reduction of the instrumental parts.
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Strauss: Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40, TrV 190
