# Strauss, Don Quixote, Op. 35

The extended solo viola part representing Sancho Panza. Standard at principal viola auditions and a test of character playing.

## About the excerpt

- **Composer:** Richard Strauss

- **Work:** Don Quixote, Op. 35

- **Era:** Late-Romantic (c. 1880–1910)

- **Composed:** 1897

- **Clef:** Alto clef

- **Difficulty:** Audition

- **Audition list:** Standard excerpt

## Bowing

Wide variety of articulation across the solo. Following the printed markings precisely is most of the interpretation.

## Where it goes wrong

The writing moves through several registers and clefs; treble clef passages need to be as fluent as the alto ones.

## Style

The part is a characterisation, not a lyrical solo, Strauss writes Sancho as garrulous and earthy, and the playing should reflect that.

## Techniques

tone-poem, audition, solo, principal

This public reference contains work information and original practice notes. It does not publish the excerpt notation or grant permission to copy a score. Score access and rights depend on the edition and jurisdiction.

## Related excerpts

- [Strauss: Don Juan, opening](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/viola/strauss-don-juan-viola), The standard opening request at viola auditions. Fast, high, and written in a register where the viola has to project without turning thin. Audition; Late-Romantic; Alto clef. Standard audition excerpt.
- [Mahler: Symphony No. 10, Adagio, opening](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/viola/mahler-10-adagio-viola), The unaccompanied viola line that opens the Adagio, the whole section alone, unsupported, at a very slow tempo. Audition; Late-Romantic; Alto clef. Standard audition excerpt.

Canonical source: https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/viola/strauss-don-quixote-viola