German composer and Horn player, Franz Strauss (1822-1905) is the Father of the great Richard Strauss on whom he was a huge influence. Remembered for a significant contribution to the Horn repertoire, FranzStrauss' Les Adieux remains prominent in concert and recital programmes.

Born in Bavaria, Strauss was principal Horn player for the Bavarian Court Opera for more than 40 years,as well as a teacher at the Royal School of Music in Munich. Les Adieux was among the composer's earlier compositions. The piece is a Romance, meaning it is highly lyrical. Strauss'workaddresses chromaticism, variety in key signatures and articulation as well as semiquaver flourishes and ornamentation. Les Adieux is a sublime work for Horn and Piano, suitable for advancedplayers.