Verdi: Don Carlo (1886 version)
Expected to ship in about a week.
- Composer: Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901)
- Instrumentation: Opera
- Work: Don Carlos
- UPC:
Description
This grand opera about love stymied by the political intrigue of Spain during the Inquisition, is well-known for the many versions that have been created to accommodate the work's length. Originally written as a five-act opera with ballet at its French premiere in 1866, the 1867 Italian premiere in London started the trend of making cuts, authorized or not, from the performance, including the omission of both the entire first act and the ballet. Further performances continued to make alterations to shorten the length until Verdi himself decided to address the matter, creating two versions: the 1883 Milan version that omitted Act I and the ballet while also making other smaller cuts, and the 1886 Modena version, which retained Act I, though the ballet was still removed.
The four-act Milan version remained the preferred path for performance until a notable 1958 staging of the 1886 five-act Modena version. Both the Milan and Modena versions have grown in popularity since the 1950s, becoming a stardard part of the opera repertoire.
This Kalmus edition is the 1886, five-act Modena version, which also notates the optional omission of Act I, offering opera companies flexibility in which version they would prefer to perform.
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.
Verdi: Don Carlo (1886 version)
