Humperdinck: Prelude from "Hansel and Gretel"
Expected to ship in about a week.
- Composer: Engelbert Humperdinck (1854-1921)
- Instrumentation (this edition): Orchestra
- Originally for: Opera
- Work: Hänsel and Gretel
- UPC:
Description
Hänsel and Gretel, a Märchenspiel (Fairy-tale opera) in three acts, was written by Engelbert Humperdinck (1854-1921) in 1890-1892, with a libretto by his sister Adelheid Wette. Humperdinck began to work on the opera upon the request of his sister for a set of four songs for her children to perform, based on the well-known Brothers Grimm tale. From these four songs, the composer worked it into first a singspiel, then a full opera that premiered on December 23, 1893 at the Hoftheater in Weimar, under the baton of the composer's friend, Richard Strauss. An immediate success, the opera was quickly associated with Christmas and is most frequently performed during the holiday season. The overture/prelude is also often performed around Christmas time.
Instrumentation: 2+Picc.2.2.2: 4.2.3.1: Timp.Perc(3): Str (9-8-7-6-5 in set).
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.

