Puccini: Le Villi
Expected to ship in about a week.
- Composer: Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924)
- Format: Vocal Score
- Instrumentation: Opera
- Work: Le Villi (The Willis or The Fairies), SC 60
- ISMN:
- Pages: 251
Description
What is being presented here is the piano vocal score of Le Villi, Giacomo Puccini's first stage work, the full score of which was published by Casa Ricordi (NR 141755) in 2020.The premiere of Le Villi took place at the Teatro Regio in Turin on 27 December 1884, and was followed by a Milanese performance at Teatro alla Scala on 24 January 1885: both productions were quite well received by critics and public alike.The critical edition by Martin Deasy is based on the autograph score that Puccini initially prepared for the one-act version (Willis), and later modified for the two-act, revised version (Villi). Pursuing a groundbreaking philological approach, the editor has, furthermore, taken into proper consideration the contemporaneous printed editions of the piano vocal score, which constitute, in his view, the principal collateral sources, if one is to consider the particular genesis of this work. for it is certain that Puccini, upon entering the Sonzogno competition, submitted a score of Willis that lacked proper orchestration in a few pages and displayed, above all, incomplete vocal lines. However, he also provided a manuscript reduction for piano and vocal score (now lost, except for the final Number of Willis) that was undoubtedly more detailed, as far as the vocal lines were concerned. The editor demonstrates that the vocal material realized for the first performance of Willis was not derived from the autograph score, but from the lost score reduction. The latter also served as the basis for the preparation of Ricordi's printed edition of the piano vocal score.
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.
