Verdi: Rigoletto
Expected to ship in about a week.
- Composer: Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901)
- Instrumentation: Opera
- Work: Rigoletto
- ISBN:
Description
Based on the 1832 play LE ROI S'AMUSE by Victor Hugo, Guiseppe Verdi's (1812-1901) RIGOLETTO was the composer's sixteenth entry into the genre and is widely considered one of the first operatic masterpieces of his career. Despite serious initial problems with the Austrian censors who had control over northern Italian theaters at the time, the tragic tale of the licentious Duke of Mantua, his hunch-backed jester Rigoletto, and Rigoletto's beloved daughter Gilda was triumphantly premiered on March 11, 1851 to a sold-out La Fenice Opera House under the direction of Gaetano Mares. The work proved so popular that the aria "La donna è mobile" was sung in the streets the morning after its debut. Rigoletto has remained as popular with audiences today as it was at its debut. While initially critics condemned the work for its tragically dark plot partnered with what they claimed was "popular" but insubstantial music, the opera has since gained overwhelming positive reception. Igor Stranvinsky even remarked, "… there is more substance and feeling [in the aria "La donna è mobile"] than in the whole of Wagner's Ring Cycle."
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.
