Halffter: Cello Sonata “The Death of Don Quixote”

for Cello and Piano

The work consists of a single movement subdivided into several sections representing the vision experienced by Don Quijote on his deathbed. The energetic and confused rhythm in the initial part of the composition is succeeded by moments of intensive grand drama before coming to a close in an atmosphere of despair, an almost nihilistic vision of Don Quijote himself who is doomed to continuing failure. Here, Quijote appears devoid of all heroism and greatness: he is a man contemplating his downfall at the end of his life. His feelings of pain and fruitless struggles take centre stage: this is the Quijote whom we will all experience at the end of our days. Pedro Halffter