Burleske in D minor for Piano and Orchestra, IRS 11 (TrV 145; AV 85)

Richard Strauss (1864-1949) originally wrote this work for solo piano and orchestra under the title Scherzo in D minor in 1886 for conductor and pianist Hans von Bulow, a large influence on Strauss' career. Von Bulow, however, consider the work a "complicated piece of nonsense" and wanted nothing to do it. Discouraged, Strauss set the work aside until 1889, when he met Scottish pianist Eugen d'Albert, who liked it while also suggesting some changes. With a new title, Burleske, and a dedication to d'Albert, the work was premiered on June 21st, 1890 in Eisenach at the Tonkunstlerfest with d'Albert at the piano and Strauss conducting. Despite this, Strauss remained convinced that the work lacked merit and refused to have the work published until 1894, although it eventually became one of his favorite works. Strauss never gave the work an opus number, but many consider it to be Op. 11, which is actually assigned to his Horn Concerto No. 1 in E-flat. Instrumentation: 2+Picc.2.2.2: 4.2.0.0: Timp: Str (9-8-7-6-5 in set): Solo Piano. This is the solo piano and orchestra piano reduction.