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STRAUSS, Richard – Finale to the Symphonic Poem ‘Don Quixote’, Op.35 – 8 CELLOS

Other Identification:
Don Quixote, Op. 35 is a large tone poem by Richard Strauss for cello, viola, and orchestra. Subtitled “Fantastic Variations on a Theme of Knightly Character”, the work is based on the novel ‘Don Quixote de la Mancha’ by Miguel de Cervantes. Strauss composed this work in Munich in 1897. The premiere took place in Cologne on 8th March 1898, with Friedrich Grützmacher (probably) as the cello soloist and Franz Wüllner conducting.

The score is almost 45 minutes long, written in a theme and variations form, with a large introduction and long calm Finale. The solo cello represents Don Quixote, and the solo viola, tenor tuba, and bass clarinet depicting his squire Sancho Panza.
Movements or sections:
In the Finale (Very calm, marked: “Coming to his senses again” – Death of Don Quixote) the veil indeed lifts and the Don, sadly perhaps, is again in possession of his cognitive faculties. He is now ready for death, and, as Cervantes writes, quoting the notary in attendance, “Never has a mind died so mildly, so peacefully, so Christianly.” All is depicted in the music!
Instrumentation:
OCTET OF EIGHT CELLOS (Possible with one solo cellist and an orchestra of cellos divided up between the other seven parts)
Arranged by David Johnstone

This music is in 3 PDFs:
[1 – General Score
[2 – Cellos 1 to 4
[3 – Cellos 5 to 8
Approximate difficulty:
Quite difficult

A version for large cello ensemble has probably never been undertaken before (apologies if mistaken) and my reworking is a mix of symphonic and chamber music qualities, with a solo cellist and seven (or many more) ‘tutti’ cellists. All parts have interesting melodic lines and it will require experienced players to bring out the very best that this octet can offer!
Dedicatee of this presentation (if applicable):
This version for multi-cellos is dedicated to the wonderful solo cellist GABRIEL FAUR

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