Richard Strauss’s single-act ballet Josephs Legende emerged in 1914 just as the world’s attention was turning to war. But with its exotic instrumental colouring and the composer’s intent to rejuvenate dance into a ‘purely inspirational form’ dedicated to ‘absolute beauty’, it reveals a great ballet composer and demonstrates his orchestral mastery to the full. Josephs Legende is a parable about struggles between good and evil based on the familiar Old Testament story of the slave boy Joseph. The work’s dramatic tale is set with alluring sensuality expressed through Strauss’s gift for soaring themes.

Not many associate Richard Strauss with the world of ballet, and Josephs Legende is one of his less well-known orchestral scores. There are a few recordings around, and our recording of the orchestral suite with the Buffalo Philharmonic conducted by JoAnn Falletta (8572041), was considered ‘utterly glorious’ in MusicWeb International, but this work has long been overshadowed by the popularity of Strauss’s other stage and orchestral pieces. A complete recording of this evocative work will be a major attraction amongst this year’s new releases.

Fabrice Bollon has made numerous appearances with many renowned European orchestras, and from 2009 to 2021 served as general music director/chief conductor at Germany’s Theater Freiburg, overseeing numerous recordings for Naxos including a remarkable interpretation of Korngold’s Das Wunder der Heliane in 2018 (866041012). His work in Freiburg garnered international acclaim, including Editor’s Choice accolades in Gramophone magazine and Diapason d’Or Awards, among others. He has been chief conductor of the Staatskapelle Halle and general music director of the Halle Opera since August 2022. Bollon is also an acclaimed composer, and his operas Oscar und die Dame in Rosa and The Folly have been highly acclaimed by both critics and audiences. In 2020 his album of original compositions released on Naxos (8574015) received a Choc de Classica award and an ICMA nomination.

The Staatskapelle Halle is one of the largest and greatest symphony orchestras in central Germany, and is traditionally deeply rooted in the world of concerts and music theatre productions. Fabrice Bollon has been its musical director and chief conductor since the 2022/23 season.