Don Quixote
Richard Strauss
Op. 35
Pierre Fournier / George Szell / Cleveland Orchestra
1960 Excellent recording quality.First recommendation. One of the best Szell recordings. Features master cellist Pierre Fournier. They bring out the charm and do a masterful job of storytelling.
Pierre Fournier / Clemens Krauss / Vienna Philharmonic
1953 Rougher sounding, wiry strings (early Decca).Also with Fournier. This one has a magical, evocative quality. You really feel the story and emotions, maybe more than any other recording, despite the rough sound.
Apple Music — Don Quixote on an album with Also sprach Zarathustra.Paul Tortelier / Rudolf Kempe / Staatskapelle Dresden
1973 Incredible sound.From the Dresden set. Features Paul Tortelier on cello. Powerful, and Tortelier is masterful. Kempe is a master Strauss conductor. Can't go wrong.
Apple Music — Don Quixote on an album with the Dance Suite after Couperin.Oswald Uhl / Richard Strauss / Bavarian State Orchestra
1941 Dutton remastering, clear sound.Strauss's own version. He understands the work, knows what to bring out, and creates that magical quality of fun and adventure.
Emanuel Feuermann / Eugene Ormandy / Philadelphia Orchestra
1940 Dimly recorded, more hiss and mud.Features one of the greatest cellists, Emanuel Feuermann. Really exciting, great storytelling. You get swept away by the power of the interpretation.
Apple Music — Don Quixote on an album with Bloch’s Schelomo.