Important German composer who followed on from Wagner in the development of late Romanticism.
He is particularly associated with the Tone Poem, an orchestral work based on a 'programme' or story, such as Don Juan, Death and Transfiguration and the more light-hearted Till Eulenspiegel. His operas make heavy demands, though his most famous, Der Rosenkavlier is on the lighter side.
His failure to spurn or condemn the Nazi regime has always thrown a slightly controversial shadow over his otherwise respected status.
