Richard Strauss' Four Last Songs

An exploration of the impact of Four Last Songs by Richard Strauss, which deal with the themes of love and death. Richard Strauss was 84 when he completed his last work. It was the Four Last Songs, which, although about death, convey a sense of calm acceptance. It was written of its time in 1948, but it still touches the hearts of many listeners today. As the soprano voice delves ever deeper into the richness of the music, interviewees tell how the Four Last Songs have brought calm and beauty at key moments in their lives. Series exploring famous pieces of music and their emotional appeal. Contributors Alan Yentob Michael Kennedy Gillian Weir Margaret Nelson Jamie Nichols Gabe Meline Producer: Rosie Boulton First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2009.