In this version of the story, the simple farm girl Aldonza (Dulcinea) of the original novel becomes the more sophisticated Dulcinée, a flirtatious local beauty inspiring the infatuated old man's exploits.

Its première at the Opéra-Comique in October 1924 was followed by over 60 performances during the succeeding quarter of a century; Arbell sang in the 1924 and 1931 runs, and Chaliapin appeared there in 1934, while the conductors included Maurice Frigara, Paul Bastide and Roger Désormière.

[5] Don Quichotte received its premiere in Budapest in 1917, and the Opéra-Comique in Paris presented it in 1924 with Marcoux in the title role, Arbell and Fugère; Chaliapin sang it there in 1934.

[7][8] Besides frequent and periodic revivals at Monte Carlo and in France, it was also shown with great success in Italy (Catania in 1928, Turin in 1933 (Teatro Regio), Bologna in 1952, Venice in 1982, Florence in 1992).

[citation needed] The first revival in Britain since 1912 was given by English National Opera in October 1994, with Richard Van Allan as Quixote.

Dulcinée appears and explains philosophically that being adored is not enough, "Quand la femme a vingt ans" (When a woman is twenty).

She withdraws and a crowd, largely of beggars, acclaim the arrival of the eccentric knight Don Quichotte (riding on his horse Rossinante) and his comic squire Sancho Panza (on a donkey).

After the crowd disperse, Don Quichotte himself serenades Dulcinée, "Quand apparaissent les étoiles" (When the stars begin to shine) but he is stopped by Juan, a jealous admirer of the local beauty.

Surprised by the defiance of the old man, the bandits give him a beating and intend to kill him, however Don Quichotte's prayer "Seigneur, reçois mon âme, elle n'est pas méchante" (Lord receive my soul, it is not evil) moves Ténébrun, the bandit chief, to mercy.

Don Quichotte explains his mission "Je suis le chevalier errant" (I am the Knight-errant), and the necklace is returned to him.

While waiting for Dulcinée, Sancho asks for his reward to which Don Quichotte responds with vague promises of an island, a castle, riches.

Taking pity, Dulcinée tells the others to leave, apologizes "Oui, je souffre votre tristesse, et j'ai vraiment chagrin à vous désemparer" (I share your sorrow and am truly sorry) but explains that her destiny, her way of life, is different from his.

A mountain pass in an ancient forest A clear starry night, Don Quichotte is dying.

Nearing death, Don Quichotte looks up at a star shining brightly above and hears the voice of Dulcinée calling him to another world.