Don Quixote

Richard Strauss' iconic masterpiece, Don Quixote, is a symphonic poem that embodies the essence of the legendary novel by Miguel de Cervantes. Composed in 1897, this tone poem is a testament to Strauss' innovative and imaginative approach to music. The work is subtitled 'Phantastische Variationen über ein Thema ritterlichen Charakters' (Fantastic Variations on a Theme of Knightly Character), and it is this sense of fantasy and adventure that permeates the entire album.

Featuring a unique combination of cello, viola, and orchestra, Don Quixote is a rich and evocative work that explores the themes of chivalry and heroism. The album is divided into several variations, each of which brings to life a different aspect of the Don Quixote story. From the introduction to the final variation, Strauss' music is a perfect blend of humour, pathos, and drama.

With its release on the Maestoso label, this album is a must-have for classical music enthusiasts. The duration of 45 minutes ensures that the listener is fully immersed in the world of Don Quixote, and the genres of classical, orchestra, and opera are all beautifully represented. Recorded on 1 January 2000, this album is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and delight audiences to this day.

Under the masterful direction of renowned conductors, such as Lorin Maazel and Leonard Bernstein, Richard Strauss' Don Quixote has been brought to life in a way that is both faithful to the original composition and freshly interpretative. The result is an album that is at once a tribute to the genius of Strauss and a celebration of the power of music to evoke emotions and conjure images. Whether you are a long-time fan of classical music or just discovering the genre, Richard Strauss' Don Quixote is an album that is sure to captivate and inspire.

Richard Strauss, born in Munich in 1864, was a titan of late Romantic and early modern classical music, renowned for his innovative tone poems and operas. As a successor to the likes of Richard Wagner and Franz Liszt, Strauss' compositions are celebrated for their pioneering orchestration and advanced harmonic styles. His prolific career spanned over five decades, during which he composed 16 operas that continue to be widely performed today. Strauss' music, characterized by its dramatic intensity and rich orchestration, offers an immersive experience that transcends time, making him a dominant figure in classical music at the turn of the 20th century. His works, ranging from orchestral masterpieces to operatic triumphs, continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Strauss' legacy as a composer and conductor is a testament to his enduring influence on the world of classical music.