Richard Strauss

Richard Strauss (1864-1949) was a prominent German composer and conductor known for his operas, tone poems, and orchestral music. He played a significant role in the transition from late Romanticism to modern music. Strauss is celebrated for works like "Also sprach Zarathustra," famously used in Stanley Kubrick's film *2001: A Space Odyssey*, and operas such as "Der Rosenkavalier." His compositions often feature lush melodies, innovative orchestration, and emotional depth. Throughout his career, Strauss balanced a range of musical styles, significantly influencing the 20th-century music landscape, while also navigating the complexities of the socio-political environment of his time.