Italy occupied a unique place in the psyches of many 19th century composers, artists and writers. The physical beauty of its architecture and countryside, as well as Italy’s own ancient and rich traditions of art, music and thought inspired many. Strauss embarked on his own journey in early 1886 and was overwhelmed by what he saw. As he travelled, he jotted down musical ideas for what became Aus Italien, including assigning specific keys to correspond with particular places he visited – the warm, lemon-scented Amalfi coast, the Renaissance...
