Jean-François Michel

Don Quichotte

From a technical standpoint, "Don Quixote", this enchanting suite, enables soloists and pianists whose instrumental proficiency falls between the end of Level 1 and the beginning of Level 2 (on a scale of 6) to continue their instrumental and musical development. The themes and rhythms are inspired by the four mythical characters from Miguel de Cervantes’ (1547–1616) masterpiece, which has been deeply rooted in the world’s cultural heritage since its first publication in 1605. This music uses humor to inspire a joy of playing while simultaneously developing a sense of interpretation. 1. The Knight of the Sad Countenance (Don Quixote) This lanky, cosmopolitan hero embodies righteousness, idealism, and loneliness, but also dreams, fantasy, imagination, and above all, self-irony. 2. Rocinante This is the name of Don Quixote’s old and good-natured horse. With calm and resignation, it endures both its master’s fantastical adventures and the company of Sancho Panza’s mule. 3. Dulcinea When Don Quixote decides to become a knight-errant, he needs a lady. His imagination therefore transforms a simple peasant woman into the noble "Dulcinea of Toboso." Dulcinea ("Gentleness") becomes at once the inspiration for his passion, the meaning of his life, and the muse and guide for his thoughts and struggles. 4. Sancho Panza Sancho, Don Quixote’s squire, is a portly peasant, sometimes careless and coarse, yet of unwavering loyalty. He accepts Don Quixote’s whims and even goes so far as to lie to him so that the fantastical dreams of the Knight of the Sad Countenance can become reality.