Who Composed the Music for the Ballet Don Quixote?

Ballet

The music for the ballet Don Quixote is composed by Ludwig Minkus. Minkus was born in Vienna and studied at the Vienna Conservatory of Music under the tutelage of Simon Sechter and Johann Herbeck.

He had a successful career as a composer, arranger, conductor, and violinist. He eventually became the musical director of the St. Petersburg Imperial Theatre in Russia.

Minkus composed several ballets for the Imperial Ballet, including Don Quixote. The first performance of the ballet took place on 17 December 1869 at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. The production was choreographed by Marius Petipa to Minkus’ score.

The original version included several divertissements that were added to make it a full-length ballet. These divertissements used music from other composers such as Cesare Pugni, Riccardo Drigo and Léon Minkus (Ludwig’s brother). The production also featured some music from Ludwig’s own earlier works.

Despite its popularity, Don Quixote has undergone several revisions over the years due to changes in choreography and other factors. However, Ludwig Minkus’ score is still used as a base for all versions of this famous ballet.

Conclusion:

Ludwig Minkus composed the music for the ballet Don Quixote which premiered in 1869 at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. Despite subsequent revisions over time due to changes in choreography and other factors, Ludwig Minkus’ score remains an integral part of this classic work.