Born: 1864, Munich, Bavaria (Germany)
Died: 1949, Garmisch, Bavaria

"We are all children of our time, and can never leap beyond its shadow."

Strauss is known today for his orchestral works, his operas, and his songs. He burst on the scene at the end of the 19th century with a series of vibrant orchestral works. He then shocked audiences with the rawness of his operas Salome and Elektra before charming them with the luxuriant vocal and orchestral splendor of Der Rosenkavalier. During his last years, Strauss composed a number of moving works, including the Metamorphosen for strings and his Four Last Songs.