The Cunning Little Vixen Reduced Orchestration
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: “Many thanks for your brilliant orchestration, which Lada Valesova and our musicians render superbly”, David Conway, Chairman, Hampstead Garden Opera.
Recent performances include UBC School of Music, Canada; Pocket Opera, California (Review: https://operawire.com/pocket-opera-2024-review-the-cunning-little-vixen/), Koninklijk Conservatorium, The Hague; Irish National Opera (2026 spring tour); and Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, UK (Spring 2026 production).
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.
What would normally be a full orchestra was here reduced to an ensemble of thirteen players to facilitate countrywide touring. Considering that the central character is really nature itself as represented by the orchestra, the task of conveying the vibrancy of Janáček’s orchestral writing with a one-per-part version of the score was no mean feat and the Irish National Opera players under Charlotte Corderoy brought great clarity to the lines and textures.”
The score is strongest in creating tones and moods, rather than melodies, but there is a lightness and bounce here, in a nimble orchestration for a relatively small touring group, under the baton of Charlotte Corderoy.”
Aided by an adapted orchestration of the show for a 13-piece musical ensemble by Jonathan Lyness of Mid-Wales Opera Company, the production offered the complex and atmospheric themes of Janáček’s devising to full effect. It was a US premiere of this musical adaptation, capturing the essence of the composer’s folkloric allegory without sacrifice of nuance and legibility.”
Skillful reduced orchestration by Jonathan Lyness.”
Jonathan Lyness’ reduced orchestration makes the full range of styles inherent in the score even more visible.”
For more information or to hire this reduced orchestration of The Cunning Little Vixen, please contact us