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. As in his other guides to the operas of major composers, including Mozart, Puccini and Verdi, the author takes each opera in turn and describes the composer's life at the time of composition, discusses the libretto and librettist, outlines the story and gives a detailed musical analysis. The book is intended for the expert and the general music lover alike.