Richard Strauss was a renowned German composer and conductor from the late Romantic and early modern eras. Born in 1864, he is best known for his operas, symphonic poems, and orchestral works. Strauss's compositions, such as "Also sprach Zarathustra" and "Salome," are characterized by their lush harmonies and complex orchestration. Throughout his career, he collaborated with famous librettists and conductors, leaving a lasting impact on the classical music world. Richard Strauss passed away in 1949, but his music continues to be celebrated and performed worldwide.