Ride of the Valkyries (arr Laurendeau)

From Wind Repertory Project
Richard Wagner

Richard Wagner (arr. Louis-Philippe Laurendeau)


Subtitle: From R. Wagner's Music Drama: "Die Walküre"


General Info

Year: 1870 / 1908
Duration: c. 5:30
Difficulty: (see Ratings for explanation)
Original Medium: Orchestra
Publisher: Carl Fischer
Cost: Score and Parts – Out of print.

For availability information, see Discussion tab, above.


Instrumentation

Full Score
D-flat Piccolo
Flute
Oboe
Bassoon
E-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Clarinet Solo-I-II-III
E-flat Alto Clarinet
B-flat Bass Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Saxophone
E-flat Alto Saxophone
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
E-flat Cornet
B-flat Cornet Solo-I-II-III
Alto I-II-III-IV
Tenor I-II
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
Timpani
Drums, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Snare Drum


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Wagner’s cycle of ‘music-dramas,' The Ring of the Nibelungen, is unique in the history of art: an ancient mythological tale spread over four interdependent operas; the capstone of Romantic orchestration, harmony and expression; a nodal point in the history of music; and an integral part, for both better and worse, of the German psyche. Wagner’s grand conception left no thinking person untouched in the late 19th century. Almost all were seduced by the overwhelming power and emotion of the operas. His impact on modern thought and art has been enormous.

The Ride of the Valkyries takes place at the beginning of Act III of Die Walküre, the second of the four operas in the Ring cycle. The Valkyries are the nine warrior-maidens of German mythology who ride through the air on their steeds, bringing heroes killed in battle to Valhalla, home of the gods, to form a garrison of defense. The Ride occurs after the curtain rises on a rocky mountain scene to reveal four of the Valkyries watching their sisters return from the battleground. The music vividly depicts the wild, wind-swept heights, the powerful strides of the magical horses, and the Valkyries’ thrilling war cries.

- Program note by University of Houston Moores School of Music Wind Ensemble concert program, 19 December 2012


Media

(Needed - please join the WRP if you can help.)


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Los Angeles (Calif.) Winds (Steven Piazza, conductor) – 14 May 2017


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources