May: R. Strauss - Don Quixote

[fergus]

Lovers of Baroque music and Telemann in particular who are not aware of the fact might like to know that a lovely Overture/Suite was written by him on this very subject. Although not in the same league imaginatively or expressively as the Strauss version (given an approximate 200 year time difference), it is still a very nice piece of music. I have two versions of it one being by the Freiburger Barockorchester which is naturally very well played....






The standout movements in this version for me are the beautiful “La reveil de Quixote” which is a really gorgeous piece of baroque music, and “La couché de Quixote” is also another absolutely wonderful piece of baroque listening!




The second recording I have of this work is that by Collegium Musicum 90 and Simon Standage....






Although also very well played the intimacy of the two movements above is not quite as in depth as the Freiburgers’ version mainly because they use a minimal continuo and I think that “La couché de Quixote” is played too quickly by Collegium Musicum 90. It is a very good version otherwise however and is very energetic in the requisite places.

[Jared]

thank you Fergus, I definitely will look out for this one in time...

[bombasticDarren]

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread. A special thanks to Fergus for completing the analysis.

I think I'll give it a few weeks before I spin DQ again myself. Doing the thread wore me out a bit if I'm honest. I'm very critical of myself and that added some pressure....sometimes when there's no need to be...

Maybe when I get my next turn (if I do...) I will pick something that I adore and is therefore less of a challenge. Something to learn from at least...

[fergus]

Darren, welcome back and it is great to see you around here again.

You did a great job with the thread Darren and I know that it was difficult for you but just read the testimonials and you will see that everyone enjoyed and appreciated your efforts. I think that it was very successful and it was certainly a different approach so, once again, well done!