In this episode, we delve into the life and legacy of Richard Strauss, one of the most celebrated composers of the 20th century, whose iconic Also Sprach Zarathustra continues to captivate audiences worldwide. But Strauss’s story is more than music—it's a tale of moral ambiguity, artistic brilliance, and survival under the Nazi regime.

Join us as we explore the triumph of Also Sprach Zarathustra’s 1896 debut, Strauss’s rise to fame, and his controversial relationship with the Nazi government. From his efforts to protect his Jewish family members to his decision to remain in Germany during World War II, Strauss’s choices raise profound questions about art, compromise, and the cost of moral courage.

With Strauss conducting a 1944 recording of Also Sprach Zarathustra as Europe burns, this episode examines the enduring power of his music and the haunting legacy of a man navigating one of history's darkest eras.

Listen now to reflect on the brilliance and complexity of an artist who lived—and composed—through a time of extraordinary challenge.