Der Rosenkavalier brims with ultra-Romantic melodies and sophisticated chromatic harmonies bound together by rich orchestral colors. It is, without a doubt, Strauss’ operatic masterpiece.

Often referred to as a tone poem with vocal interludes, Strauss’ Salome is based on the controversial play by Oscar Wilde, and brought Strauss immediate and immense success in Germany. The Dance of the Seven Veils was the last section of this stunning opera to be completed.

Burlesque for Piano and Orchestra is an extended sonata form with Brahmian characteristics. It is in this striking piece that the waltz rhythm first appeared in a work by Richard Strauss.

Like most composers, including Mozart, Handel and Stravinsky, Strauss was not above writing works for special occasions. The dazzling Festival Prelude for Organ and Orchestra was such a piece, composed in 1913 for the opening of Vienna’s newest concert hall, the Konzerthaus.