Don Quixote

Don Quixote, Op. 35, is a composition by Richard Strauss for cello, viola and large orchestra, subtitled "Fantasy Variations on a Theme of Knightly Character." Also known as "Don Quixote, Fantastic Variations for Cello & Orchestra." It is modeled after the novel Don Quixote de la Mancha by Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes. It is written in Sinfonia concertante form with cello solo representing Don Quixote and viola, tenor tuba and bass clarinet soloists depicting Sancho Panza.

Strauss composed this work in Munich in 1897.

It was first performed in Cologne in March, 1898.

The second variation depicts an episode where Don Quixote encounters a herd of sheep and perceives them as an approaching army. Strauss uses dissonant fluttertonguing in the brass to emulate the bleating of the sheep. This is one of the first instances of this extended technique.

Instrumentation

The work is scored for piccolo, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, English horn, 2 clarinets in B-flat (2nd doubles clarinet in E-flat), bass clarinet, 3 bassoons, contrabassoon, 6 horns in F, 3 trumpets in D, 3 trombones, tenor tuba (euphonium) in B-flat, tuba, timpani, triangle, bass drum, cymbals, snare drum, tambourine, wind machine, harp and strings.

Sections

1. Introduction: Mäßiges Zeitmaß. Thema mäßig
2. Variation I: Gemächlich
3. Variation II: Kriegerisch
4. Variation III: Mäßiges Zeitmaß
5. Variation IV: Etwas breiter
6. Variation V: Sehr langsam
7. Variation VI: Schnell
8. Variation VII: Ein wenig ruhiger als vorher
9. Variation VIII: Gemächlich
10. Variation IX: Schnell und stürmisch
11. Variation X: Viel breiter
12. Finale: Sehr ruhig

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