Immerse yourself in the rich, orchestral world of Richard Strauss with this captivating album, released on January 1, 1978, under the Decca Music Group Ltd. label. The album is a compelling blend of classical masterpieces, featuring Strauss's renowned "Don Quixote, Op. 35" and "4 Letzte Lieder, TrV 296."
"Don Quixote" is a tone poem that vividly brings to life the characters and adventures of Miguel de Cervantes' iconic novel. Strauss's composition is a tour de force of orchestral storytelling, with each movement painting a vivid picture of Don Quixote's chivalrous quests and Sancho Panza's loyal companionship. The piece is a showcase of Strauss's mastery of orchestration, with intricate themes and dynamic variations that keep the audience engaged from start to finish.
The second half of the album features "4 Letzte Lieder," a set of four songs that Strauss composed towards the end of his life. These songs are performed live, adding a sense of immediacy and intimacy to the recording. The lyrics, drawn from poems by Hermann Hesse and Joseph von Eichendorff, explore themes of love, nature, and the passage of time. Strauss's lush, romantic melodies and rich harmonies make these songs a highlight of the album.
With a total duration of 59 minutes, this album offers a substantial and satisfying listening experience. Whether you're a longtime fan of Richard Strauss or a newcomer to his music, this album is sure to impress with its depth, beauty, and emotional resonance.
Don Quixote, Op. 35: I. Introduction. Mäßiges ZeitmaßRichard Strauss, Tibor de Machula, Klaas Boon, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Bernard Haitink
Don Quixote, Op. 35: II. Don Quixote, der Ritter von der traurigen GestaltRichard Strauss, Tibor de Machula, Klaas Boon, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Bernard Haitink
Don Quixote, Op. 35: III. Sancho PanzaRichard Strauss, Tibor de Machula, Klaas Boon, Theo Olof, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Bernard Haitink
Don Quixote, Op. 35: IV. Var. 1, GemächlichRichard Strauss, Tibor de Machula, Klaas Boon, Theo Olof, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Bernard Haitink
Don Quixote, Op. 35: V. Var. 2, KriegerischRichard Strauss, Tibor de Machula, Klaas Boon, Theo Olof, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Bernard Haitink
Don Quixote, Op. 35: VI. Var. 3, Mäßiges ZeitmaßRichard Strauss, Tibor de Machula, Klaas Boon, Theo Olof, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Bernard Haitink
Don Quixote, Op. 35: VII. Var. 4, Etwas breiterRichard Strauss, Tibor de Machula, Klaas Boon, Theo Olof, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Bernard Haitink
Don Quixote, Op. 35: VIII. Var. 5, Sehr langsamRichard Strauss, Tibor de Machula, Klaas Boon, Theo Olof, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Bernard Haitink
Don Quixote, Op. 35: IX. Var. 6, SchnellRichard Strauss, Tibor de Machula, Klaas Boon, Theo Olof, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Bernard Haitink
Don Quixote, Op. 35: X. Var. 7, Ein wenig ruhiger als vorherRichard Strauss, Tibor de Machula, Klaas Boon, Theo Olof, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Bernard Haitink
Don Quixote, Op. 35: XI. Var. 8, GemächlichRichard Strauss, Tibor de Machula, Klaas Boon, Theo Olof, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Bernard Haitink
Don Quixote, Op. 35: XII. Var. 9, Schnell und stürmischRichard Strauss, Tibor de Machula, Klaas Boon, Theo Olof, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Bernard Haitink
Don Quixote, Op. 35: XIII. Var. 10, Viel breiterRichard Strauss, Tibor de Machula, Klaas Boon, Theo Olof, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Bernard Haitink
Don Quixote, Op. 35: XIV. Finale. Sehr ruhigRichard Strauss, Tibor de Machula, Klaas Boon, Theo Olof, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Bernard Haitink
4 Letzte Lieder, TrV 296: No. 1, Frühling - LiveRichard Strauss, Gundula Janowitz, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Bernard Haitink
4 Letzte Lieder, TrV 296: No. 2, September - LiveRichard Strauss, Gundula Janowitz, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Bernard Haitink
4 Letzte Lieder, TrV 296: No. 3, Beim Schlafengehen - LiveRichard Strauss, Gundula Janowitz, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Bernard Haitink
4 Letzte Lieder, TrV 296: No. 4, Im Abendrot - LiveRichard Strauss, Gundula Janowitz, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Bernard Haitink