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.[ allmusic Biography]
Track listing "Beginning: In the depths of the forest a spring wells up: A river is born" – 5:49 "Mountain Waters: Waterfalls of melted snow cascade into the young river" – 3:30 "Empire: An impression of life in the reign of emperor Franz Joseph at the turn of the century" – 11:22 "Intro" – 3:52 "Gypsy: History of a free people without a home" – 7:35 "Voice of the Danube: On the riverbed, an imposing rock watches History" – 5:53 "Unknown Soldier: A stream of blood and violence: The Second World War" – 5:52 "Intro" – 4:26 "Sultan: 900 years of Ottoman Empire" – 7:59 "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
References