Despite the prevailing trend that Strauss slowly turned away from Lieder once the 20th century had set in, the Op. 69 set of songs was composed in 1918, in the midst of operatic work. Strauss wrote them after completing
Die Frau ohne Schatten and before beginning work on
Intermezzo. If the former opera had been a grand statement on a large scale – Strauss demanded of Hoffmansthal that it was to be ‘the last Romantic opera’ – the latter was an affectionate, ironic depiction of family life. It is to that mordant tone that ‘Schlechtes Wetter’ subscribes. A vivid depiction of Heine’s poem about quiet domestication amid torrential rain, Strauss's song moves swiftly between discord and swinging waltz.
Click here to hear a performance of this song by Felicity Lott.
The painting is 'Grand Muveran' by Ferdinand Hodler.
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