Richard Strauss composed more than 200 songs, but only about twelve achieved widespread fame. Concert programs typically feature around 30 of his works. According to Strauss himself, some songs flowed effortlessly from his pen, while others required meticulous, technical craftsmanship. Musical inspiration was particularly important to him, which distinguished him from Hugo Wolf, who focused on the poetry of the texts.
Strauss often combined creative skill with inspiration. While he occasionally drew on verses by famous poets like Goethe or Heine, he preferred texts by less prominent authors. His compositions are characterized by a pronounced sense of melody, harmony, and rich orchestral textures. Strauss became especially famous for his brilliant songs, which he wrote primarily for the soprano voice.
Among his most significant compositions are early songs such as "Zueignung" (Dedication), "Die Nacht" (The Night), and "Allerseelen" (All Souls' Day). The selection of songs for this series was based on musical criteria. The aim of the program was to captivate the audience while simultaneously showcasing the individual strengths of each singer. Christine Brewer opens the series with a program ranging from well-known works such as "Zueignung" to rarely performed oriental songs. Thanks to her versatility, she lends Strauss's songs a multifaceted interpretation.