Suche
Mein Konto
Solemn sounds: Orchestra bids farewell to Pons with Strauss' masterpiece
On July 2, 2025, the Gran Teatre del Liceu honored Hermann Hesse with Strauss' "Four Last Songs". Matthias Goerne and Asmik Grigorian appeared.
Solemn sounds: Orchestra bids farewell to Pons with Strauss' masterpiece
The celebrated on July 2, 2025 Orquesta Sinfónica del Gran Teatre del Liceu (OSGTL) a very special concert that was not only musically but also symbolically significant. This day marked the 148th anniversary of the birthday of the famous writer Hermann Hesse. Under the direction of Josep Pons, works were presented that are closely linked to Hesse's poetry.
A central part of the program was the “Four Last Songs” by Richard Strauss, which are based on poems by Hesse, apart from the last song, which comes from a work by Joseph von Eichendorff. These songs, which Strauss composed at the age of 84, are his last completed works and convey profound themes such as death and a peaceful acceptance of the end of life. The songs “Spring”, “September”, “At Sleep” and “Im Abendrot” show the composer's artistic ambitions in orchestral songs and are still very popular with listeners today.
Musical highlights and challenges
The evenings were hosted by the renowned soprano Asmik Grigorian opened fantastically, replacing Lise Davidsen, who was originally hired for this evening, due to her pregnancy. Grigorian was praised for her impressive performance of the “Four Last Songs,” particularly the strong connection to the orchestral accompaniment. In her debut as Isolde, she impressed with her vocal presence, even if she didn't quite have the ideal qualifications for the role.
In contrast, baritone Matthias Goerne struggled with difficulties. His performance of the monological King Marke and Wotan's “Comiat” was not so successful and spoiled the overall impression of the concert. Nevertheless, the orchestra management under Pons managed to transform the concert into a celebratory musical event.
The change in orchestra management
The concert also had a nostalgic undertone as it marked the end of Pons as main conductor of the OSGTL. From the coming 2026/27 season there will no longer be a permanent conductor; Instead, various guest conductors should be invited to give each concert a fresh touch. This could lead to an invigorated diversity in the program and give listeners the opportunity to experience different interpretations and styles.
The “Four Last Songs” themselves are more than just musical compositions. They are a reflection on the life cycle, shaped by both Hesse's poems and Eichendorff's inspiration, and were premiered on May 22, 1950. Strauss' work goes far beyond music and touches on universal themes that are still contemporary and appealing today.
Overall, the concert not only shows the impressive skills of the performers, but also the diversity and depth of the orchestral literature. With the choice of pieces, the OSGTL demonstrated its commitment to high-quality music interpretation, one reason why it is so valued in the cultural landscape.