Written with Mozart’s societal comedic operas in mind, this work features a tangled web of intrigue and love at first sight, accompanied by an ultra-Romantic score. Strauss’ lush orchestration alternately serves to bring out raucous waltzes and mythical dreamlike sequences. The three main characters, including the title role of young Octavian, are sung by women, and the final trio is considered one of the most beautiful ensembles ever written for the opera stage.