A tone poem is a piece of orchestral music that aims to evoke a specific idea, story, or emotion without using words. It is often a single movement work that paints a vivid picture through sound, allowing listeners to interpret the music in their own way. This genre is closely associated with the Romantic period, where composers sought to express deep feelings and narratives. One of the most famous examples of a tone poem is Richard Strauss's "Also sprach Zarathustra," which is inspired by Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophical work. Tone poems can vary in length and complexity, but they typically feature rich orchestration and thematic development, making them a unique form of musical storytelling.