TELEMANN’S DON QUIXOTE: An 18th-Century Musical Comedy

 

Sunday, May 17, 2026, 4PM

The Allegany Museum, 3 Pershing St., Cumberland, MD

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In the 18th century, more diverse types of opera were appearing throughout Europe–hundreds were composed, many owing a debt to the commedia dell’arte Italian theatrical tradition dating back to the previous century. With an output of at least thirty-three operas, George Philippe Telemann was among the most prolific composers in this form. In 1758 he composed his final opera, Don Quixote auf der Hochzeit des Comacho, a portion of Cervantes’ famous satirical story of the escapades of Don Quixote, and his pal, Sancho Panza.

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Telemann identified this opera as a “Singspiel,” which was a term often used for shorter comic musicals. This short operetta will be performed with singer soloists and orchestra in the Allegany Museum Ballroom.