Stories of the Danube

Stories of the Danube is a symphony based on the river Danube by Joe Zawinul, which was commissioned by the Brucknerhaus in Linz. It was first performed as part of the Linzer Klangwolke (a large-scale open-air broadcast event), for the opening of the 1993 Bruckner Festival in Linz, on September 12. In its seven movements (plus a finale), the symphony traces the course of the Danube from Donaueschingen through various countries ending at the Black Sea.

Recording
The symphony was recorded as a studio album by the Brno Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Caspar Richter, at Dukla Radio Studio, Brno, in November 1995 and Music Room, New York City, in February 1996.

Track listing

 * 1) "Beginning: In the depths of the forest a spring wells up: A river is born" – 5:49
 * 2) "Mountain Waters: Waterfalls of melted snow cascade into the young river" – 3:30
 * 3) "Empire: An impression of life in the reign of emperor Franz Joseph at the turn of the century" – 11:22
 * 4) "Intro" – 3:52
 * 5) "Gypsy: History of a free people without a home" – 7:35
 * 6) "Voice of the Danube: On the riverbed, an imposing rock watches History" – 5:53
 * 7) "Unknown Soldier: A stream of blood and violence: The Second World War" – 5:52
 * 8) "Intro" – 4:26
 * 9) "Sultan: 900 years of Ottoman Empire" – 7:59
 * 10) "Finale: The nations of the Danube celebrate peace" – 2:33

Personnel

 * Joe Zawinul - keyboards, vocals
 * Caspar Richter - conductor
 * Amit Chatterjee - guitar, vocals
 * Burhan Öçal - percussion, vocals
 * Arto Tunçboyacıyan - percussion, vocals
 * Walter Grassman - drums
 * Brno Philharmonic Orchestra