Reznicek- Der Sieger

Von Reznicek wrote two confessional works: the tone poems Schlemihl of 1912 and Der Sieger of 1913. The composer described the plot of Der Sieger as follows: "This work is to be regarded as the counterpart to the composition Schlemihl. In the one an unlucky fellow; in the other a man who succeeds is everything, cold, hard, but bold and enterprising. He renounces love and chooses a female companion after his stripe. Thus, created for each other, both climb the summit of success and collect riches. Suddenly he falls ill. His wife leaves him. On his death bed, he sees his whole life passing by in his mind?s eye." If Schlemihl was a self-portrait, then Der Sieger (The Victor) might be a notvery-flattering portrait of Reznicek?s supposed friend (and rival) Richard Strauss. Whatever the case, it is great, thrilling symphonic music in hypertrophic sound splendor.