null

Richard Strauss

Richard Strauss: The Master of Orchestral Brilliance and Operatic Drama

Introduction to Richard Strauss

Richard Georg Strauss (1864–1949) was a German composer, conductor, pianist, and violinist, celebrated for his symphonic tone poems and operas that pushed the boundaries of orchestration and harmony. A leading figure of late Romanticism and early Modernism, Strauss is often regarded as a successor to Wagner and Liszt, with an orchestral mastery that influenced generations of composers. His works, filled with rich harmonies, vivid storytelling, and dynamic orchestration, remain central to the concert and operatic repertoire.

Strauss’s Most Celebrated Works

Orchestral Tone Poems: A New Era of Symphonic Storytelling

Strauss revolutionized the symphonic poem, creating vivid musical narratives:

  • Don Juan (1889) – A passionate and energetic tone poem that established his reputation.
  • Also sprach Zarathustra (1896) – Featuring the iconic opening fanfare, later immortalized in 2001: A Space Odyssey.
  • Ein Heldenleben (1898) – A bold, autobiographical work celebrating the hero’s journey.
  • Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks (1895) – A lively and humorous musical depiction of the legendary trickster.
  • An Alpine Symphony (1915) – A breathtaking orchestral journey through the grandeur of the Alps.

Operas: Drama, Emotion, and Innovation

Strauss’s operas feature some of the most complex and expressive vocal writing in history:

  • Salome (1905) – A groundbreaking opera based on Oscar Wilde’s Salomé, famous for its intense drama and the infamous "Dance of the Seven Veils."
  • Elektra (1909) – A psychological masterpiece with an aggressive and modern harmonic language.
  • Der Rosenkavalier (1911) – A lush and elegant comic opera filled with Viennese waltz influences.
  • Ariadne auf Naxos (1912, revised 1916) – A unique blend of comedy and mythological drama.
  • Die Frau ohne Schatten (1919) – A fantastical opera filled with mystical symbolism.

Concertos and Late Masterpieces

Beyond orchestral and operatic works, Strauss also composed deeply expressive concertos and songs:

  • Horn Concerto No. 1 (1883) & Horn Concerto No. 2 (1942) – Showcasing his deep connection to the horn, an instrument played by his father.
  • Violin Concerto in D minor (1882) – A lyrical and virtuosic early work.
  • Metamorphosen (1945) – A poignant string composition reflecting on the destruction of Germany during World War II.
  • Four Last Songs (1948) – A deeply moving farewell to life, filled with serene beauty and introspection.

Strauss’s Enduring Legacy

Strauss’s music continues to be revered for its orchestral brilliance, operatic grandeur, and emotional depth. His influence shaped 20th-century film scores and modern orchestral writing, and his operas remain some of the most frequently performed worldwide.

Richard Strauss

Sort By:

Display Type:
Filters
  • Product
  • Qty in Cart
  • Quantity
  • Price
  • Subtotal
  • Richard Strauss ‎– Elektra / A. Konetzni, M. Modl, D. Ilitsch, H. Braun, F. Klarwein, W. Felden, D. Frass / Orchestra Stabile e Coro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Dimitri Mitropoulos / Opera 2x Audio CD 1997 / CDTA.007 Richard Strauss ‎– Elektra / A. Konetzni, M. Modl, D. Ilitsch, H. Braun, F. Klarwein, W. Felden, D. Frass / Orchestra Stabile e Coro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Dimitri Mitropoulos / Opera 2x Audio CD 1997 / CDTA.007
    Quick view

    Richard Strauss ‎– Elektra / A. Konetzni, M. Modl, D. Ilitsch, H. Braun, F. Klarwein, W. Felden, D. Frass / Orchestra Stabile e Coro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Dimitri Mitropoulos / Opera 2x Audio CD 1997 / CDTA.007

    $33.33
    Richard Strauss ‎– Elektra / A. Konetzni, M. Modl, D. Ilitsch, H. Braun, F. Klarwein, W. Felden, D. Frass / Orchestra Stabile e Coro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Dimitri Mitropoulos / Opera 2x Audio CD 1997 CDTA.007   Label: Opera...
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $33.33
    Subtotal:
  • Les Strauss À Vienne / Le Beau Danube Bleu, Aimer, Boire Et Chanter, Marche De Radetsky, Sang Viennois, Histories De La Fôret Viennoise... / Wiener Johann Strauss Orchestra, Boskovsky / EMI Classics ‎2x Audio CD 1989 Stereo / CZS 7 62751 2 Les Strauss À Vienne / Le Beau Danube Bleu, Aimer, Boire Et Chanter, Marche De Radetsky, Sang Viennois, Histories De La Fôret Viennoise... / Wiener Johann Strauss Orchestra, Boskovsky / EMI Classics ‎2x Audio CD 1989 Stereo / CZS 7 62751 2
    Quick view

    Les Strauss À Vienne / Le Beau Danube Bleu, Aimer, Boire Et Chanter, Marche De Radetsky, Sang Viennois, Histories De La Fôret Viennoise... / Wiener Johann Strauss Orchestra, Boskovsky / EMI Classics ‎2x Audio CD 1989 Stereo / CZS 7 62751 2

    EMI Group Limited
    $33.33
    Les Strauss À Vienne / Le Beau Danube Bleu, Aimer, Boire Et Chanter, Marche De Radetsky, Sang Viennois, Histories De La Fôret Viennoise... / Wiener Johann Strauss Orchestra, Boskovsky / EMI Classics ‎2x Audio CD 1989 Stereo /...
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $33.33
    Subtotal:
  • Brotherhood of the Rose DVD 1989 A Rózsa szövetsége / Directed by Marvin J. Chomsky / Starring: Peter Strauss, Robert Mitchum, David Morse, Connie Sellecca (5999882941714) Brotherhood of the Rose DVD 1989 A Rózsa szövetsége / Directed by Marvin J. Chomsky / Starring: Peter Strauss, Robert Mitchum, David Morse, Connie Sellecca (5999882941714)
    Quick view

    Brotherhood of the Rose DVD 1989 A Rózsa szövetsége

    $39.99
    "Brotherhood of the Rose | DVD (1989) - A Rózsa Szövetsége" Product Information UPC: 5999882941714 Product Type: DVD Genre: Action/Drama Miniseries Language: English 2.0, Hungarian 2...
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $39.99
    Subtotal:
  • Tonhalle Orchester Zürich / David Zinman - conductor / Richard Strauss - Don Juan, Till Eulenspiegels Lustige Streiche, Also Sprach Zarathustra / Arte Nova Classics ‎Audio CD 2001 / 74321 87071 2 Tonhalle Orchester Zürich / David Zinman - conductor / Richard Strauss - Don Juan, Till Eulenspiegels Lustige Streiche, Also Sprach Zarathustra / Arte Nova Classics ‎Audio CD 2001 / 74321 87071 2
    Quick view

    Richard Strauss - Don Juan, Till Eulenspiegels Lustige Streiche, Also Sprach Zarathustra / Tonhalle Orchester Zürich / David Zinman - conductor Arte Nova Classics ‎Audio CD 2001 / 74321 87071 2

    $119.99
    Tonhalle Orchester Zürich / David Zinman - conductor / Richard Strauss - Don Juan, Till Eulenspiegels Lustige Streiche, Also Sprach Zarathustra / Arte Nova Classics ‎Audio CD 2001 / 74321870712 UPC 743218707124   Product...
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $119.99
    Subtotal:
  • Richard Strauss ‎– Elektra / Anny Konetzni, Martha Modl, Daniza Ilitsch, Hans Braun / Orchestra Stabile E Coro Del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Dimitri Mitropoulos / Hommage 2x Audio CD 2000 Stereo / 7001841 - HOM Richard Strauss ‎– Elektra / Anny Konetzni, Martha Modl, Daniza Ilitsch, Hans Braun / Orchestra Stabile E Coro Del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Dimitri Mitropoulos / Hommage 2x Audio CD 2000 Stereo / 7001841 - HOM
    Quick view

    Richard Strauss ‎– Elektra / Anny Konetzni, Martha Modl, Daniza Ilitsch, Hans Braun / Orchestra Stabile E Coro Del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Dimitri Mitropoulos / Hommage 2x Audio CD 2000 Stereo / 7001841 - HOM

    $14.99
    Richard Strauss ‎– Elektra / Anny Konetzni, Martha Modl, Daniza Ilitsch, Hans Braun / Orchestra Stabile E Coro Del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Dimitri Mitropoulos / Hommage 2x Audio CD 2000 Stereo / 7001841 - HOM UPC...
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $14.99
    Subtotal:
  • Richard Strauss – Till Eulenspiegel, Don Juan, Duett-Concertino / Kálmán Berkes, Tibor Fülemile / Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Ken-Ichiro Kobayashi, Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, András Kórodi ‎/ Hungaroton Classic ‎Audio CD 1999 Stereo / HRC 1043 Richard Strauss – Till Eulenspiegel, Don Juan, Duett-Concertino / Kálmán Berkes, Tibor Fülemile / Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Ken-Ichiro Kobayashi, Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, András Kórodi ‎/ Hungaroton Classic ‎Audio CD 1999 Stereo / HRC 1043
    Quick view

    Richard Strauss – Till Eulenspiegel, Don Juan, Duett-Concertino / Kálmán Berkes, Tibor Fülemile / Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Ken-Ichiro Kobayashi, Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, András Kórodi ‎/ Hungaroton Classic ‎Audio CD 1999 Stereo / HRC 1043

    Hungaroton Classic
    $9.99
    Richard Strauss – Till Eulenspiegel, Don Juan, Duett-Concertino / Kálmán Berkes, Tibor Fülemile / Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Ken-Ichiro Kobayashi, Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, András Kórodi ‎/ Hungaroton...
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $9.99
    Subtotal:
  • R. Strauss – Eine Alpensinfonie, Don Juan / Philadelphia Orchestra, Wiener Philharmoniker, Andre Previn / EMI Classics Audio CD 2000 Stereo / 7243 5 74116 2 2 R. Strauss – Eine Alpensinfonie, Don Juan / Philadelphia Orchestra, Wiener Philharmoniker, Andre Previn / EMI Classics Audio CD 2000 Stereo / 7243 5 74116 2 2
    Quick view

    R. Strauss – Eine Alpensinfonie, Don Juan / Philadelphia Orchestra, Wiener Philharmoniker, Andre Previn / EMI Classics Audio CD 2000 Stereo / 7243 5 74116 2 2

    EMI Group Limited
    $115.99
    R. Strauss – Eine Alpensinfonie, Don Juan / Philadelphia Orchestra, Wiener Philharmoniker, Andre Previn / EMI Classics Audio CD 2000 Stereo UPC 7243 5 74116 2 2   Label: EMI Classics - 7243 5 74116 2 2 Format: CD, Album Released:...
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $115.99
    Subtotal:
  • Richard Strauss - Also Sprach Zarathustra, opus 30, Don Juan, Opus 20 / Till Eulenspiegels Lustige Streiche, op. 28 / The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra / Conductor Sir Charles Mackerras / Audio CD 1993 / 204470-201 (4011222044709) Richard Strauss - Also Sprach Zarathustra, opus 30, Don Juan, Opus 20 / Till Eulenspiegels Lustige Streiche, op. 28 / The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra / Conductor Sir Charles Mackerras / Audio CD 1993 / 204470-201 (4011222044709)
    Quick view

    Richard Strauss - Also Sprach Zarathustra, opus 30, Don Juan, Opus 20 / Till Eulenspiegels Lustige Streiche, op. 28 / The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra / Conductor Sir Charles Mackerras / Audio CD 1993 / 204470-201

    $69.99
    Richard Strauss - Also Sprach Zarathustra, opus 30, Don Juan, Opus 20 / Till Eulenspiegels Lustige Streiche, op. 28 / The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra / Conductor Sir Charles Mackerras / Audio CD 1993 / 204470-201 UPC 4011222044709 MADE IN...
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $69.99
    Subtotal:
  • Richard Strauss - Also Sprach Zarathustra / Don Juan / The Londol Philharmonic / Conducted by Klaus Tennstedt / EMI Audio CD 1990 (07774995122) Richard Strauss - Also Sprach Zarathustra / Don Juan / The Londol Philharmonic / Conducted by Klaus Tennstedt / EMI Audio CD 1990 (07774995122)
    Quick view

    Richard Strauss - Also Sprach Zarathustra / Don Juan / The London Philharmonic / Conducted by Klaus Tennstedt / EMI Audio CD 1990

    EMI Group Limited
    $9.99
    Richard Strauss - Also Sprach Zarathustra / Don Juan / The London Philharmonic / Conducted by Klaus Tennstedt / EMI Audio CD 1990 UPC 077774995122 MADE IN GERMANY TOTAL TIME: 53:59   Label:  EMI ‎– CDC 7 49951 2 Format: CD,...
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $9.99
    Subtotal:
  • Richard Strauss - Also Sprach Zarathustra - Ein Heldenleben - Eine Alpensinfonie, Don Juan, Till Eulenspiegel / Conducted by Sir Georg Solti / Double Decca 2 CD / Audio CD SET 1994 (028944061826) Richard Strauss - Also Sprach Zarathustra - Ein Heldenleben - Eine Alpensinfonie, Don Juan, Till Eulenspiegel / Conducted by Sir Georg Solti / Double Decca 2 CD / Audio CD SET 1994 (028944061826)
    Quick view

    Richard Strauss - Also Sprach Zarathustra - Ein Heldenleben - Eine Alpensinfonie, Don Juan, Till Eulenspiegel / Conducted by Sir Georg Solti / Double Decca 2 CD / Audio CD SET 1994

    DECCA
    $38.88
    Richard Strauss - Also Sprach Zarathustra - Ein Heldenleben - Eine Alpensinfonie, Don Juan, Till Eulenspiegel / Conducted by Sir Georg Solti / Double Decca 2 CD Audio CD SET 1994 UPC 028944061826 MADE IN GERMANY TOTAL TIMING...
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $38.88
    Subtotal:
  • Richard Strauss - Imigyen Szóla Zarathustra / Conducted: Zubin Mehta / New York Philharmonic / HUNGAROTON LP STEREO / SLPD 31104 Richard Strauss - Imigyen Szóla Zarathustra / Conducted: Zubin Mehta / New York Philharmonic / HUNGAROTON LP STEREO / SLPD 31104
    Quick view

    Richard Strauss - Imigyen Szóla Zarathustra / Conducted: Zubin Mehta / New York Philharmonic / HUNGAROTON LP STEREO / SLPD 31104

    $77.77
    Richard Strauss - Imigyen Szóla Zarathustra / Conducted: Zubin Mehta / New York Philharmonic / HUNGAROTON LP STEREO SLPD 31104   Richard Georg Strauss (11 June 1864 – 8 September 1949) was a leading German composer of the late...
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $77.77
    Subtotal:
  • Total: items /

Adding your products to cart