Strauss

The resignation of Richard Strauss from the directorship of the Vienna Staatsoper (TIME, Nov. 17) caused no small furor in his native town. His new Intermezzo--described as a "domestic comedy with symphonic interludes"--is the object of further talk.

The piece seems to be based on a delicate episode in the composer's private life. During one of his absences, a letter had arrived at his home from a "bar-lady," asking for two tickets he had promised her for the next performance at the opera. Frau Strauss, choleric spouse, promptly entered suit for divorce. It was some time before the Strauss household was brought back to pacific union by the admission of one of the composer's colleagues that the letter had really been intended for him.