5 Facts You Didn’t Know about Richard Strauss

1. He was the ultimate card player
He adored playing cards, particularly the game of Skat. He was highly competitive and even scheduled rehearsals around his card-playing sessions.
2. He had a reputation as a “grumpy conductor”
Strauss was known for being a bit of a curmudgeon when conducting. He had high standards and little patience and was very strict with mistakes, often stopping the orchestra to shout “Wrong!” without explanation.
3. He was a doodle master
Strauss had a quirky habit of doodling during meetings and rehearsals. He would sketch caricatures of the people around him.
4. He failed an attempt at comedic opera
Strauss once tried to write a comedy opera called Feuersnot (“Fire Famine”). But the plot was so peculiar and the humour so subtle that many audiences didn’t find it funny.
5. He downplayed his talent:
Despite being a famous composer, Strauss tended to be self-deprecating. When asked how he wanted to be remembered, he said, “As someone who never believed in inspiration, only in hard work.”

Music:
4 Lieder, Op. 27: No. 4, Morgen
Musica Sancta Ensemble, Liran Mendel
Violin: Alessandro Clerici
Cello: Ana Pereira

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