Strauss, Richard 1864 - 1949
Author: Saitoh, Noriko
Last updated：August 1, 2008
Author: Saitoh, Noriko
A German composer, he created music for various ensembles. His works for solo piano were written around his twenties. He was a composer who pioneered new music with his inherent creativity, particularly evident in his operas, tone poems, and Lieder. While influenced by the achievements of composers such as Wagner for opera, Liszt for tone poems, and Wolf for Lieder, Strauss developed his own unique style.
Strauss's father was the principal horn player of the Munich Court Orchestra, and also performed as a professor at the Munich Academy of Music and with the Royal Bavarian Chamber Music ensemble. Consequently, Strauss was exposed to music from an early age. He presented the results of his studies in piano, violin, composition, and music theory at musical gatherings held at home. From 1882 to the following year, he attended lectures on philosophy, aesthetics, and cultural history at the University of Munich, becoming deeply influenced by Schopenhauer. Brahms, Strauss, whose talent was recognized after meeting Brahms, later married Wagner's niece and became an ardent admirer of Wagner.
Strauss, who also worked as a conductor, influenced later generations with his passionate and unique conducting style, which utilized his hands, eyes, and ears. Furthermore, he left a significant legacy in his literary activities, publishing music critiques in newspapers and magazines, and translating Berlioz's Treatise on Instrumentation into German. He received numerous honorary titles and decorations, including honorary citizenship of Vienna, Munich, and Dresden, as well as honorary doctorates such as Doctor of Philosophy from Heidelberg University, Doctor of Music from Oxford University, and Doctor of Law from Munich University.
Works(12)
Piano Solo (3)
pieces (3)
Piano Ensemble (1)
Reduction/Arrangement (1)
Chamber Music (2)
sonata (1)
Sonate für Klavier und Violine Op.18 TrV 151
Key: Es-Dur Composed in: 1888 Playing time: 27 min 40 sec
Chamber music (2)