Stories of the Danube explained

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.^[1]

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

Notes and References

1. allmusic Biography