In 1864 Richard Strauss was born and Alfred Lord Tennyson’s narrative poem “Enoch Arden” was published. The poem was a huge success throughout Europe, and no less than 12 translations appeared in Germany prior to World War I. The poem inspired the melodrama that encompasses Strauss’ most extensive work for piano solo. A narrator declaims the text, and the pianist provides interludes that reflect on what has been read, yet sometimes alluding to events that will take place. Jon Vickers’ rolling oratory captures the flavor of Tennyson’s English coastal town, and Marc-André Hamelin manages to infuse Strauss’ frilly vampings with dignity. Glenn Gould’s greater contrapuntal acumen, and Claude Rains’ brusquer narration, however, still hold their own after nearly four decades. Nevertheless, Vickers brings additional dramatic dimensions to his reading from which both singing and non-singing actors can learn. In sum: minor Strauss, major players.
