Exploring the Essence of Art: Strauss’s Capriccio on WHRO FM 90.3

This Saturday at 1:00 p.m., the WFMT Radio Network Opera Series comes to an end with a special broadcast of “Capriccio,” Richard Strauss’s final opera, brought to life from the Salzburg Festival. Conducted by Christian Thielemann, this masterful production features Elsa Dreisig as the Countess Madeleine, Bo Skovhus as The Count, and Sebastian Kohlhepp as Flamand.

“Capriccio” is both a love story and a philosophical inquiry, probing an age-old debate in opera: which holds greater value, words or music? Set at the birthday celebration of Countess Madeleine, a poet (Olivier) and a composer (Flamand) compete for her affection, each representing one side of this timeless debate. As the evening progresses, tensions rise as both suitors hope to win her favor and sway her opinion. Madeleine, however, finds herself drawn to both the words of the poet and the melodies of the composer, expressing her belief that they are inseparable—a notion that mirrors the beauty and harmony found in opera itself.

Despite its serious theme, “Capriccio” also has moments of humor. Strauss’s comedic touch is evident in characters like La Roche, the pompous theater director, and Monsieur Taupe, the prompter, who each think themselves indispensable to the stage, adding a lighthearted counterpoint to the central philosophical questions.

The pinnacle of “Capriccio” comes in Madeleine’s poignant final aria, "Morgen mittag um elf!" In this delicate and contemplative moment Strauss conveys the Countess’s internal struggle as she confronts the question of words versus music—and ultimately the decision between her two suitors. This closing aria encapsulates the emotional depth of Strauss’s music, as it ebbs and flows to reflect Madeleine’s unresolved dilemma.

Join us for this captivating performance of “Capriccio,” where Strauss’s introspective music and Thielemann’s sensitive conducting make this broadcast an unforgettable exploration of art, love, and choice.