»Feu d’artifice« is from Igor Stravinsky’s early period, an »early firework«, and doesn’t shy away from using an almost word-by-word quote from Paul Dukas’ »The Sorcerer's Apprentice«. The commission for the legendary ballet music »The Firebird« was a direct result of this composition and would eventually immortalise Stravinsky. 

As part of a commission to make a film on the Spanish knight, Maurice Ravel composed his last three songs entitled »Don Quichotte à Dulcinée«. The film was directed by Georg Wilhelm Pabst (1885–1967) with the famous bass singer Feodor Chaliapin in the main role. Showing Ravel’s mastery in instrumental magic, his »Rapsodie espagnole« is a celebration full of passion. 

Miguel de Cervantes’ »Don Quixote« was also an inspiration to Richard Strauss. The result is a symphonic poem for orchestra with string instruments: Cello and viola – Don Quixote and Sancho Pansa. Johann Aparicio Bohórquez and Jonathan Kliegel are the section principals.