Don Quixote, Op. 35

Subtitle: “Fantastic Variations on a Theme of a Knightly Character”

• Based on Cervantes’ novel, Strauss wrote the tone poem Don Quixote for cello, viola, and orchestra in 1897. The structure of the piece is:
  • Introduction
  • Theme and 10 variations
  • Finale
• The narrative unfolds episodically, each “chapter” of the anti-hero and squire, Sancho Panza, represented by one of the ten variations.
  • Don Quixote is represented musically by the solo cello, and solo viola represents Sancho.
• The first musical ideas for another tone poem, Ein Heldenleben, manifested while Strauss was working on Don Quixote. Consequently, Strauss intended Don Quixote and Ein Heldenleben to be paired works and suggested they be performed together.¹

Programmatic notes:

Introduction: Don Quixote loses his sanity after reading novels about knights and decides to become a knight-errant

Theme: Don Quixote, knight of the sorrowful countenance

Variation I: Adventure at the Windmills

Variation II: The victorious struggle against the army of the great emperor Alifanfaron [actually a flock of sheep]

Variation III: Dialogue between Knight and Squire

Variation IV: Unhappy adventure with a procession of pilgrims

Variation V: The knight’s vigil

Variation VI: The Meeting with Dulcinea

Variation VII: The Ride through the Air

Variation VIII: The unhappy voyage in the enchanted boat

Variation IX: Battle with the magicians

Variation X: Duel with the knight of the bright moon

Finale: Death of Don Quixote²

1. Bryan Gilliam and Charles Youmans, “Strauss, Richard,” Grove Music Online (2001), accessed August 3, 2026,  https://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/grovemusic/view/10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.001.0001/omo-9781561592630-e-0000040117.
2. Wikipedia contributors, “Don Quixote (Strauss),” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, accessed August 3, 2206, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Don_Quixote_(Strauss)&oldid=1349742341.