Strauss third tone poem Don Juan was composed in spring 1888. This work is already an impressive demonstration of the composer's newly acquired confidence in mastering the orchestral apparatus. Already completed in the fall, it took over a year until its premiere in Weimar on November 11, 1889.

Breitkopf & Härtel's new Urtext edition assesses not only the autograph and the first edition, but also for the first time the parts used under the composer's direction, resulting in some surprisingly new readings. An extensive preface, facsimile pages, and a detailed critical report round off this authoritative Urtext edition.