Don Juan stands out among Richard Strauss' early tone poems for its almost faultless structure and concise design. This elaborate and considered work helped to establish him as one of the Great German composers when he conducted the premiere of the work himself in November 11, 1889. At twenty-four he had written the first masterpiece for which he will be remembered.
Taking Nikolaus Lenau’s play as his starting point, Strauss fashioned a Symphonic poem which would convey the story of the legendary womanizer. It is a perfect characterisation with exceedingly vivid orchestration, use of short motives, and intense lyricism.
Eulenberg's celebrated and highly authoritative miniature score is the definitive reference source for study, performance preparation, or simply for those with a love of the great orchestral works.