The prestigious composer and conductor Richard Strauss arrived in Barcelona in 1925 with enormous enthusiasm; repeated, in addition to achieving increasing success and admiration.
The first time had taken place in 1897 and by teacher Antoni Nicolau, since they had become friends in Paris. He directed two concerts at the Lírico theater.
He returned in 1901, this time at the Liceu, invited by Nicolau. He conducted a Beethoven symphony and then a series of his own works.
He returned in 1908 and conducted three concerts at the newly inaugurated Palau de la Música Catalana. His attendance at a bullfight made him late for the appointment: at first, another colleague had to take the podium. He confessed to being in love with the spectacular modernist architecture and to the heart of the Orfeó Català, which allowed him to establish, therefore, a special relationship with Maestro Millet.
In March 1925 he stayed there for almost a week to conduct several concerts at the Liceu; he recognized himself as happy because he knew he would have time to wander around his beloved Gothic Quarter, chat with antique dealers and admire the ceramics treasured in the Ciutadella museum; no wonder, he was a good collector.
In a full Royal Square, he was a mere listener to a Municipal Band that interpreted his symphonic poem. He was so moved, that he begged the mayor baron de Viver to repeat the hearing, but this time conducted by himself, to try to respond to the great affection shown to him by the city. Four days later, he was pleased with an impromptu popular concert.
It was noon on March 19 and, in a Plaça de Sant Jaume overflowing with devoted public, the mayor made him go out to the balcony of the City Hall; endless deafening cheers erupted. And then Strauss went as best he could to the lectern erected in the center, since access was difficult with such a compact crowd.
The success forced him to return to the balcony, which was presided over by the mayor together with the municipal authorities. He raised his arm not to express gratitude, but to demand silence. He culminated the four counted words with some passionate cheers for Barcelona and Catalonia, which were echoed by the thousands of enthusiastic admirers.
And he left full of emotions, memories and, of course, ceramics!
