program notes by composition > A > Allerseelen
Allerseelen
Richard Strauss/arr. Albert O. Davis
Allerseelen was written by Strauss as part of a collection of eight lieder in 1885 when he was just 21 years old. The Christian religious feast of Allerseelen "All Souls (Day)" is celebrated on November 2 in commemoration of the faithful departed. Initially intended to be performed by soprano voice and piano, Allerseelen exhibits powerful emotions and intense Romanticism.
“Richard Strauss (1864–1949) was a leading German composer of the late Romantic and early modern eras. He is known for his operas, lieder, tone poems, and other instrumental works. Born in Munich to a professional horn player and his wife, he studied music from an early age. He bridged the divide between the Romantic and Contemporary periods of music history.