Burleske

Richard Strauss' Burleske for piano and orchestra from 1885 was written when the composer was only 21 years old and still in his early creative period. The work already displays characteristic features of Strauss' later orchestral style, even though it still clearly bears the influence of German Romanticism. The virtuosic piano part combines with a colorfully orchestrated accompaniment to create a lively musical dialogue.

The title "Burleske" points to the playful, at times ironic fundamental character of this single-movement work. Here Strauss already develops that orchestral refinement which would distinguish his later tone poems. The music alternates between lyrical episodes and brilliant passages, with the solo piano appearing both as virtuosic protagonist and as equal partner to the orchestra.

As a work of German late Romanticism, the Burleske stands in the tradition of the great piano concertos of the 19th century, yet already points toward Strauss' individual compositional style. The piece was apparently not premiered until years after its composition, but later established itself as a valued repertoire work for pianists seeking to demonstrate both technical brilliance and musical sensitivity.