Talk:Wandrers Sturmlied

Première of Wandrers Sturmlied: 1887 or 1886?
Dear all,

As I am currently translating this article in French, I wanted to add a modification on the year when Wandrers Sturmlied was first performed. It is absolutely not impossible that I am wrong (but it goes on both sides). My reasons for favouring the year 1886 are the following:

1/ The French national Library (BnF) states that it was first performed in 1886. It also states that it was in Munich and not Cologne (although the Gurzenich is indeed an orchestra in Cologne).

2/ On the 2nd of March, 1887, Strauss was conducting Aus Italien (also a premiere) in Munich. It was 6 days before the allegated date of the 1st performance of Wandrers Sturmlied, but 574 km (357 miles) away (with the current roads, but it still gives a good idea of the distance). I think it is still not totally impossible to cover the distance, especillaly considering Strauss was still young, but it is still highly improbable and questions other practical matters (time for rehearsals, etc.). Another possibility is that it is not the year which is wrong but the town.

3/ Why did Strauss wait for such a long time before the première?

So please, can anyone give more substancial details about the fact that it was given both in Cologne and in 1887? As I said, I could be proven wrong... HALenaig (talk) 16:43, 10 November 2020 (UTC)


 * I restored 1887 following the source provided in the article, Laurenz Lütteken (2019) p. 203. If there is a conflict between Lütteken and a catalogue entry at BnF, I'd trust the former. Further, a performance by the Cologne Gürzenich Orchestra in Munich seems unlikely in 1886 or 1887. Lütteken's account is cited by Walter Werbeck Die Musik in Geschichte und Gegenwart. As to speculation about the possibility of Strauss getting from Munich to Cologne in six days: the German railway network in 1887 was extensive. -- Michael Bednarek (talk) 00:40, 11 November 2020 (UTC)