University of Buffalo and Buffalo State hook up for Opera Lecture

By Bryan Sullivan

Recently, the University of Buffalo and Buffalo State College came together for a look at the work of 20th century Opera Composer Richard Strauss (1864-1949).

University of Buffalo department of music lecturer Roland Martin and Opera Buffs of Western New York Inc. presented “Richard Strauss’ Last Operas in Troubled Times” at the Burchfield-Penney Art Center in Rockwell Hall. Martin’s lecture focused on the Strauss’ last five operas.

“Metamorphosen,” Strauss’ final opera, will be discussed. “Metamorphosen was a mode to his hero, Mozart.

Museum Curator of Education and Outreach Gerald C. Mead believes the lecture shows the depth of the gallery.

“The Burchfield Penney Art Center prides itself on representing arts of all disciplines beyond painting, sculpture, photography,” Mead said. “We also highlight or showcase exemplary poetry and music programs from the area.”

According to the Arizona Opera, Strauss drew criticism “from some who felt he should have utilized his position as a “court composer” to protest the Hitler dictatorship.”

Movies have also benefited from Strauss’ work. Strauss’ work has been in featured in movies such as “2001: A Space Odyssey.”

According to www.richardstrauss.com, two of his more popular operas, “Salome” and “Elektra” “still have a lot to teach young composers today.”

“This is topic close to my heart,” said Martin about Strauss. “He’s not well-known, it’s unjustly unknown, but it’s beautiful music.”

Martin’s lectured at Buffalo State for the last four years. Last year’s lecture looked at the Marx Brothers and how they influence of other styles of opera throughout history.

“It was fun,” said Martin about last year’s lecture. “I was able to relate everything to the Marx Brothers.”

Martin hopes the audience leaves with a greater appreciation of Strauss’ work and composers similar to him.

“A new recognition, appreciation, acknowledgement beyond works,” said Martin about the audience reaction. “And a sense of exploration to go out and buy or even see, they might go for one of these.”