Hansel and Gretel Reduced Orchestration
Hansel and Gretel
Englebert Humperdinck
Reduced Orchestration: 1(picc)1(cor a)1(bass cl)1 11(flugel)00 stgs harp/perc timp/perc
Flute/Piccolo, Oboe/Cor Anglais, Clarinet (A and B-flat)/Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet/Flugelhorn, Harp/Percussion, Timpani/Percussion, Single Strings (Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Cello, Double Bass) OR Multiple Strings (minimum 2 x Violin I, 2 x Violin II, 2 x Viola, 2 x Cello, 1 x Double Bass)
This reduced orchestration of Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel is aimed for performance using thirteen players including a single string quintet, OR seventeen (or more) players including a small string section, as outlined above. Two differing sets of string parts are available – for ‘single strings’ or for ‘multiple strings’.
Timpani/Percussion (one player): 3 timps, glockenspiel, triangle, suspended cymbal, pedal cymbal, tambourine, pedal bass drum (opt.). The Harp part doubles with triangle, castanets and cuckoo (the cuckoo can be played on a recorder). NB: If an additional percussionist is available the following instruments can be added: xylophone, small bells, tam-tam, bass drum, clash cymbals.
This reduced orchestration was created in 2022 and received its first performance with Mid Wales Opera in collaboration with Ensemble Cymru on 4 March 2023.
Jonathan Lyness is a rigorous guide for the 13-piece Ensemble Cymru, directing his own artfully reduced version of Humperdinck’s Wagner-sized orchestration.”
Jonathan Lyness has secured the work’s big musical moments, from the enchanting woodland scenes to the Knusperwalzer dance.”
Jonathan Lyness’s orchestral arrangement was absolutely masterful.”
A reduced orchestration is obviously a prerequisite, but music director Jonathan Lyness again proved himself more than adept at this art …”
For more information or to hire this reduced orchestration of Hansel and Gretel, please contact us.
For more background information on the original composition of Humperdinck’s 1893 masterpiece please visit here.