Gewandhausorchester & Franz Welser-Möst

In 1943, Strauss reflected on his life's work, later composing the Metamorphosen, inspired by Goethe. Completed in 1945, the piece features a monochrome palette and a somber tone, with a tribute to the deceased. The work premiered in 1946 in Switzerland. Meanwhile, Prokofiev's 5th Symphony, premiered in 1947, faced criticism for its dark and sharp character, contrasting with the heroic tone of Beethoven's Eroica.