Don Quixote

Richard Strauss

Op. 35

Recordings

Top Choice

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.

Also Worth Hearing

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.

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.

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.

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.