La bohème Reduced Orchestration
La bohème
Giacomo Puccini
Reduced Orchestration: 1(picc)011 1100 11111 harp timp/perc
Flute/Piccolo, Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet, Harp, Timpani/Percussion (one or more players), Single Strings (Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Cello, Double Bass) OR Multiple Strings (larger string section)
This orchestral reduction of Puccini’s La bohème is designed for performances using just twelve players. It can also be performed with an enlarged string section, for which there are differing staves contained within the string parts (any number of additional strings could be added).
The Timpani and Percussion are presented as a one-play part. A second player (percussion) could be an advantage.
This arrangement was created in 1999 for performances at Iford Manor as part of Iford Arts and has since received performances with both 12 players and with an increased-sized string section, in staged productions throughout the UK and USA and also in Hong Kong, Austria and the Philippines. It was performed on tour by Mid Wales Opera during March 2022.
Jonathan Lyness’ orchestration manages to convey the rich melodic tapestry of Puccini’s score with just 12 musicians. It’s an impressive feat.”
Jonathan Lyness’s reduction of the score for a dozen players is a triumph”
Jonathan Lyness has done an exceptional job of crafting an orchestral reduction of Puccini’s score for just twelve musicians… I can honestly say that I didn’t for a moment miss having the full orchestra. In a backhanded way, it was almost an improvement: the cantabile lines of each part of the orchestra became clear and present when stripped of the wash created by more instruments.”
Please click here to read Jonathan Lyness’s blog about the Real Bohemians.
For more information or to hire this La bohème reduced orchestration, please contact us