“He who climbs upon the highest mountains laughs at all tragic plays and tragic reality”, said the prophetic protagonist in the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra.
Richard Strauss, who had already produced an orchestral work inspired by that book, seemingly took this injunction to heart when composing An Alpine Symphony (1915), which despite the title is better considered as the last of his “tone poems”.
On the surface, An Alpine Symphony is a sonic portrait of an all-too-familiar scene for Coloradans: a hiker successfully summiting a mountain. But perhaps the most beautiful thing about this piece is that it’s all a metaphor for the journey of life.
“He who climbs upon the highest mountains laughs at all tragic plays and tragic reality.”
Friedrich Nietzsche in Thus Spoke Zarathustra
Discover more about what makes An Alpine Symphony one of Richard Strauss’ most ambitious and vividly descriptive orchestral works, and one of the most epic in the symphonic repertoire.
1. Programmatic Nature:
The piece is a vivid example of programmatic music, meaning it tells a story or follows a narrative. In this case, it depicts a day of climbing an Alpine Mountain, from the predawn darkness to the summit and back down again. Each section of the music corresponds to different parts of the journey, such as “Sunrise,” “The Ascent,” “On the Summit,” and “Night.”
2. Orchestration:
Strauss was known for his exceptional skills in orchestration, and An Alpine Symphony showcases this brilliantly. The score calls for a massive orchestra, including a wide range of instruments such as the wind machine, cowbells, and organ. This rich instrumentation helps to create a vivid and immersive soundscape for audiences.
3. Descriptive Power:
The music paints a vivid picture, evoking the natural beauty of the Alps. These images would be familiar to anyone who has experienced the grandeur of Colorado’s many mountain ranges. Strauss uses the orchestra to create sound effects that mimic the natural world, such as bird calls, flowing water, and the tumult of a storm, transporting listers from the concert hall to the trailhead.
4. Structure and Length:
Unlike traditional symphonies with multiple movements, An Alpine Symphony is composed as a single, continuous movement divided into 22 sections. This structure helps to maintain the narrative flow and enhances the sense of embarking on a journey.
5. Philosophical Depth:
Beyond the literal depiction of a mountain climb, the symphony can be interpreted as a metaphor for the human experience, including the struggles, triumphs, and eventual return to our origins. It reflects Strauss’ own views on life, nature, and the sublime.
6. Technological and Historical Context:
Premiered in 1915, the symphony represents the height of late Romanticism and the burgeoning modernism of the early 20th century. It stands at the crossroads of these musical eras, combining lush Romantic textures with innovative approaches to form and orchestration.
Hear An Alpine Symphony Live
An Alpine Symphony is celebrated for its breathtaking depiction of nature, masterful orchestration, and its ability to transport listeners on a grand, cinematic journey through sound. Don’t miss the breathtaking finale of the Colorado Symphony’s Centennial with Resident Conductor Peter Oundjian from May 24-26 at Boettcher Concert Hall.
