The Complete Operas of Strauss: A Critical Guide Richard Strauss, born in 1864, was one of the 20th century's greatest and most prolific opera composers. His third opera, Salome, introduced the single-act structure, and the sensuality of the mujsic caused a furore. This was followed by the equally shocking Elektra, written in collaboration with Hugo von Hofmannsthal, but they completely changed direction for their next joint venture, Der Rosenkavalier, in which the Viennese waltz found its apotheosis. Once considered a revolutionary, Richard Strauss is today seen as the last of the German romantic composers, and most of his operas are still performed regularly throughout the world. |
