Don Quixote by Richard Strauss reviewed by Nigel Simeone 21st September 2024

Don Quixote is a tone poem for cello, viola, and orchestra, subtitled Fantastic Variations on a Theme of Knightly Character. It is based on the novel Don Quixote de la Mancha by Miguel de Cervantes. Strauss wrote it in 1897. The solo cello portrays Don Quixote, and the solo viola, tenor tuba, and bass clarinet represent his squire Sancho Panza. It is full of Strauss's wildly imaginative orchestration used to describe elements in the story such as an approaching army, and, at one point, the bleating of sheep.
Recommended version
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Antonio Janigro (cello)
Milton Preves (viola)
Fritz Reiner (conductor)
RCA Living Stereo 09026 68170-2