Richard Strauss was a famous German composer and conductor, born in 1864. He is best known for his operas, tone poems, and orchestral music. Some of his most celebrated works include the opera Salome and the tone poem Also sprach Zarathustra, which became widely recognized after being featured in the film 2001: A Space Odyssey. Strauss's music is characterized by its rich harmonies and innovative orchestration. He played a significant role in the transition from the Romantic era to modern music. Throughout his career, he collaborated with many notable artists and left a lasting impact on classical music, influencing generations of composers.