Mahler: Symphony No. 8
Expected to ship in 1-2 weeks.
- Composer: Gustav Mahler (1860-1911)
- Piano reduction: Nicholas Kok
- Format: Vocal Score
- Instrumentation: SATB Choir, Orchestra
- Work: Symphony No. 8 in E-flat Major ("Symphony of a Thousand") (1907)
- Work Languages: German, Latin
- ISMN:
- Size: 7.5 x 10.6 inches
- Pages: 216
Description
While Gustav Mahler's oeuvre features many large-scale works, he surpassed himself with the 8th Symphony, composed in the summer of 1906. Mahler described this work – exceptional in its form, design, size and success – as his "opus summum". The seemingly disparate texts, taken from the medieval hymn "Veni creator spiritus" and the closing scene of Goethe's Faust, are interwoven by means of shared thematic material and bear witness to the composer's tremendous spiritual and religious aspirations. The already massive forces of a large symphony orchestra are buttressed throughout the symphony by three choirs and eight soloists.
Experienced conductor and accompanist Nicholas Kok has created a practical vocal score to aid the rehearsal process for singers and accompanists. Without unnecessarily simplifying the orchestral parts and by paying close attention to the voice leading and the bass line, Kok has reduced the dense original score while creating the most realistic sound possible for the rehearsal room. Rehearsal marks in the standard orchestral parts have been incorporated so that the edition can be used in conjunction with existing scores.
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.
Mahler: Symphony No. 8
