Puccini: Turandot
Alfano II - Revised Edition
Expected to ship in about a week.
- Composer: Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924)
- Arranger: Franco Alfano (1875-1954)
- Instrumentation: Opera
- Work: Alfano II from Turandot
- UPC:
Description
The story of TURANDOT, while originally derived from the Persian collection of stories called "The Book of One Thousand and One Days," was set in China by Puccini. It tells the tale of a cold-hearted princess (Turandot) who sets tests for her suitors, who are all put to death if they fail. An Unknown Prince (revealed at the end to be named Calaf) finally arrives and passes her tests, though Turandot still tries to escape any marriage until she is persuaded by Calaf through a test of his own and a tragic death.
Regrettably, Puccini passed away (1924) from a heart attack before he could complete the opera, having finished entirely the first and second acts, and most of the third, including the extremely well-known aria by Calaf, "Nessun Dorma." Following his death, Franco Alfano was asked by Puccini's publisher and family to complete the opera, as one of his recent works resembled TURANDOT in its setting and heavy orchestration.
Franco Alfano's first attempt (Alfano I) was rejected by Puccini's publisher and conductor Arturo Toscanini, as he took some liberties with the libretto and added a few musical passages of his own. He was then forced to write a second, more censored version (Alfano II) that followed Puccini's sketches more closely. This second version is the one that has become popular and which is made available by E.F. Kalmus, though Toscanini, in honor of the maestro Puccini, refused to complete the opera on the night of the premiere, laying down his baton where Puccini's work ended.
Both the original individual percussion parts and the addition of new percussion scores have been included to suit the musicians' preferences. in addition to the complete opera, some individual scenes have also been extracted and made available by E.F. Kalmus as standalone items.
Instrumentation: 3(3dPicc).2+EH.2+BCl.2+CBsn: 4.3.3+BTbn.0: Timp.Perc(5): Clst.Hp(2).Org: Str(4-4-3-3-3): Banda(2ASax.6Tpt.4Tbn.Drum.Gong).
Publishers use a lot of words to describe what they sell, and we know it can be confusing. We've tried to be as clear as possible to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Below are descriptions of the terms that we use to describe the various formats that music often comes in.
Choral Score
A score for vocalists that only contains the vocal lines. The instrumental parts are not there for reference. Generally, cheaper than a vocal score and requires multiple copies for purchase.
Facsimile
Reproductions of the original hand-written scores from the composer.
Full Score
For ensemble music, this indicates that the edition contains all parts on a single system (there are not separate parts for each player). In larger ensembles, this is for the conductor.
Hardcover
Hardbound. Generally either linen-covered or half-leather.
Orchestral Parts
Similar to a wind set, this is a collection of parts. In the case of strings, the numbers listed are the number of copies included, though generally these are available individually (often with minimum quantities required).
Paperback
When publishers offer multiple bindings (e.g. hardcover) or study scores, this is the "standard" version. If you're planning to play the music, this is probably what you want.
Performance / Playing Score
A score of the music containing all parts on one system, intended for players to share. There are not separate parts for each player.
Set of Parts
For ensemble music, this indicates that there are separate individual parts for each player.
Solo Part with Piano Reduction
For solo pieces with orchestra, this is a version that contains a piano reduction of the orchestra parts. For piano pieces, two copies are typically needed for performance.
Study Score
A small (think choral size) copy of the complete score meant for studying, and not playing. They make great add-ons when learning concertos and small chamber works.
Vocal Score
A score prepared for vocalists that includes the piano/organ part or a reduction of the instrumental parts.
Wind Set
For orchestral music, this is a collection of wind and percussion parts. The specific quantities of each instrument are notated.
With Audio
In addition to the printed music, the edition contains recordings of the pieces. This may be an included CD, or access to files on the internet.
With / Without Fingering (Markings)
Some publishers prepare two copies - a pure Urtext edition that includes no fingering (or bowing) suggestions and a lightly edited version that includes a minimal number of editorial markings.
Puccini: Turandot
