Richard Georg Strauss (11 June 1864 – 8 September 1949) was a leading German composer of the late
Romantic and early
modern eras. He is known for his
operas, which include
Der Rosenkavalier,
Elektra,
Die Frau ohne Schatten and
Salome; his
Lieder, especially his
Four Last Songs; his
tone poems, including
Don Juan,
Death and Transfiguration,
Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks,
Also sprach Zarathustra,
Ein Heldenleben,
Symphonia Domestica, and
An Alpine Symphony; and other instrumental works such as
Metamorphosen and his
Oboe Concerto. Strauss was also a prominent conductor throughout Germany and Austria.