In December 1899, shortly before the end of the 19th century, Richard Strauss wrote the song "Weihnachtsgefühl" (Christmas Feeling) based on a poem by Martin Greif. For a long time, this work remained largely unnoticed and was considered a hidden gem within the song repertoire. Among the important works in this collection is also the famous setting of Goethe's "Wandrers Nachtlied" (Wanderer's Night Song), which has been interpreted by renowned composers such as Schubert and Schumann. These songs were not published together until 1964, and the influence of Schumann and Schubert is still evident in Strauss's compositions.
His first song, "Weihnachtslied" (Christmas Song), was based on a poem by Christian Friedrich Daniel Schubart. Even in these early works, Strauss demonstrated artistic maturity. He subsequently set poems by Ludwig Uhland to music, such as "Einkehr" (Retreat). His oeuvre also includes well-known pieces like "Winterreise" (Winter Journey) and "Der müde Wanderer" (The Tired Wanderer). Influenced by Schumann and Schubert, Strauss created a series of songs that oscillate between folk-like and evocative soundscapes.
His output ranges from lighthearted pieces like the "Husarenlied" (Hussar Song) to dramatic ballads such as "Der Fischer" (The Fisherman). Throughout his career, his style evolved continuously, so that works like "Ein Röslein zog ich mir im Garten" (I Growed a Rose in My Garden) and "Des Dichters Abendgang" (The Poet's Evening Walk) reveal increasing diversity and expressiveness. Besides numerous unpublished works, Strauss left behind, among other things, settings of Goethe poems and festive compositions such as "Durch allen Schall und Klang" (Through All Sound and Music). In later years, he largely abandoned Goethe texts, with the exception of the autumnal song "Gefunden" (Found). Finally, Strauss composed festive songs like "Sankt Michael" (Saint Michael) as a tribute to important poets such as Joseph Weinheber.