The Cunning Little Vixen Reduced Orchestration


Foxes by Sue Lyness (1936-2002)
‘Foxes’ by Sue Lyness (1936 – 2002)

The Cunning Little Vixen / Příhody lišky Bystroušky

Leoš Janáček

Reduced Orchestration: 1(picc)1(cor anglais)11 11(flugel)00 11111 harp timp/perc/cel

Flute/Piccolo, Oboe/Cor Anglais, Clarinet (A and B-flat), Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet/Flugelhorn, Harp/(Glockenspiel), Timpani/Percussion/Celesta (one or more players), Single Strings (Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Cello, Double Bass) OR Multiple Strings (minimum 3 x Violin I, 2 x Violin II, 2 x Viola, 2 x Cello, 1 x Double Bass).

This reduced orchestration of Janáček’s The Cunning Little Vixen is aimed for performance using thirteen players including a single string quintet, OR eighteen (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’.

This arrangement was created during the 2020 coronavirus UK lockdown and was workshopped with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales in November 2020 (see MWO blog). It was premiered in the UK in 2021 and performed again by Hampstead Garden Opera, UK in 2022. The final scene from the opera was performed as part of the London Climate Change Festival at the London Coliseum in March 2021, later streamed by Sky Arts.

The score and parts have rehearsal numbers and bar numbers.

First play-through of the reduced orchestration of The Cunning Little Vixen with the BBC NOW, November 2020

Skillful reduced orchestration by Jonathan Lyness.”

BACHTRACK, AUGUST 2021
The Cunning Little Vixen, Longborough Festival Opera.

Jonathan Lyness’ reduced orchestration makes the full range of styles inherent in the score even more visible.”

Musicomh, AUGUST 2021
The Cunning Little Vixen, Longborough Festival Opera.

For more information or to hire this reduced orchestration of The Cunning Little Vixen, please contact us