As a musician well versed in some of Richard Strauss’ larger orchestral works I was very interested to see a box set of his complete chamber music. Opening with a CD in a convivial concert atmosphere (without interruption from pesky coughs and still with that warm recording studio tone) this was a lot of fun to listen to. With brilliant chromaticisms and interesting melodic play, this is Strauss intimate and accessible. Only the music of Strauss gives lush Romantic sound worlds at the height of the era, while also giving hints of the music of the 20th Century to come.