Strauss: Don Quixote, Till Eulenspiegel

Lawrence Power (viola), Alban Gerhardt (cello), Gürzenich Orchestra Köln, Markus Stenz

Chamber works for oboe - Night Windows, Impromptus Nos.1 & 2, Cantilena, Niobe, Trio, Take Two Oboes, Threnody

Strauss’s tone poem Don Quixote, subtitled "Fantastic variations on a theme of knightly character," is one of the composer’s most popular works, principally because of the beautifully drawn central characters of the Don (performed by a solo cellist) and Sancho Panza (performed by a solo violist). These complex roles are luxuriously portrayed in this new recording by Hyperion artists Alban Gerhardt and Lawrence Power. The merry tale of Till Eulenspiegel completes the program, which features The Gürzenich-Orchester Köln - the very orchestra that gave the premieres of both works in the 1890s - conducted by Markus Stenz, who has held the position of Principal Conductor since 2003.

Price: $20.98