Richard Strauss was a German composer and conductor who lived from 1864 to 1949. He is best known for his operas, which include 'Arabella' (8 letters), 'Salome' (6 letters) and 'Elektra' (7 letters). 'Arabella' is a romantic comedy set in Vienna, 'Salome' is a tragedy based on the Biblical story of Salome and John the Baptist, and 'Elektra' is a tragedy based on the Greek myth of Electra and Orestes. All three operas are considered masterpieces of the genre.