Richard Strauss: Also sprach Zarathustra & Claude Debussy: Jeux

Opening with its famous ‘Sunrise’ fanfare, there is no mistaking Strauss’ Also sprach Zarathustra. A bold, intrepid tone poem, famously used by Stanley Kubrick in 2001: A Space Odyssey, it explores mankind’s place in the universe, diving headfirst into themes of religion, science and individuality. François-Xavier Roth’s interpretation of Debussy’s Jeux completes the album. The kaleidoscopic score begins in a darkened stillness, developing fluidly with flashes of light and playful, chromatic motifs that perfectly depict the ‘games’—firstly childish, later amorous—of the ballet’s characters.

Roth brings great clarity even in the densest music…The principal jewel of this recording must be the opulence of the strings, for which there can be no better example than the conclusion to “Von den Hinterweltlern” (Of the Backworldsmen)…Another test of virtuosity is Debussy’s 1913 ballet, Jeux, which with its constantly-changing tempo markings needs enormous control from conductor and orchestra alike. Sitting alongside the Strauss it confirms the brilliance and flexibility of this magnificent orchestra. — James Longstaffe, Presto Music, 24th March 2023