A weekend of fanciful dreams and fantastical escapades awaits when the musical narration of Richard Strauss’ Don Quixote takes the stage with BPO principal Roman Mekinulov portraying the role of the knight errant. The intoxicating romance of Spain continues with Ravel’s lush Rapsodie espagnole.

The BPO Coffee Concert Series is presented by Highmark.

This performance is presented in loving memory of Theresa Thomas.

Program

JoAnn Falletta, conductor
Roman Mekinulov, cello

Before intermission, please remain seated for a discussion of Strauss’ Don Quixote from the conductor and orchestra.

RAVEL  Rapsodie espagnole
I. Prélude à la nuit
II. Malagueña
III. Habanera
IV. Feria

−INTERMISSION−

STRAUSS  Don Quixote, Op. 35
I. Introduction: Don Quixote loses his sanity after reading novels about knights, and decides to become a knight-errant

II. Theme and Variations
Theme: Don Quixote, knight of the sorrowful countenance
Maggiore: Sancho Panza
Variation I: Adventure at the Windmills
Variation II: The victorious struggle against the army of the great Emperor Alifanfaron
Variation III: Dialogue between knight and squire
Variation IV: Unhappy adventure with a procession of pilgrims
Variation V: The Knight’s Vigil
Variation VI: The Meeting with Dulcinea
Variation VII: The Ride through the Air
Variation VIII: The unhappy voyage in the enchanted boat
Variation IX: Battle with the Magicians
Variation X: Duel with the Knight of the White Moon

III. Finale: Coming to his senses again − Death of Don Quixote