The only thing Don Juan and Don Quixote really have in common is that they live on in the tone poems of Richard Strauss. The composer’s fascination with literary themes inspired him to transform the fictional fortunes of the two Dons into dramatic and emotional music. At this ProArte concert, the Vienna Philharmonic will evocatively bring the stories of Juan and Quixote to life. The evening begins with the symphonic sounds of Don Juan’s daring adventures of bravado and passion and ends with Strauss’ musical narrative about the tragic idealism of a chivalrous self-appointed knight and his loyal squire Sancho Panza. The orchestra will be conducted by Daniel Harding. After a rapid start to his career, Harding laid down his baton and went off to follow his other passion working as a pilot for Air France. Luckily for us, he now has his feet firmly back on the conductor’s podium. However, we do wonder if he flies himself to his concerts with the best orchestras of the world. It’s anyone’s guess!
PERFORMERS
Wiener Philharmoniker orchestra
Daniel Harding conductor
PROGRAM
Richard Strauss
Don Juan
Joseph Haydn
Symphony in F minor, Hob. I:49 »La passione«
- Interval -
Richard Strauss
Don Quixote
