Ride of the Valkyries (tr Longfield)

From Wind Repertory Project
Richard Wagner

Richard Wagner (trans. Robert Longfield)


Subtitle: From Die Walküre


General Info

Year: 1870 / 2000
Duration: c. 4:39
Difficulty: V (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: C.L. Barnhouse
Cost: Score and Parts - $90.00   |   Score Only - $10.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
Bassoon I-II
E-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
E-flat Alto Clarinet
B-flat Bass Clarinet
B-flat Contrabass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Timpani
Percussion, including:

  • Crash Cymbals
  • Tenor Drum
  • Triangle


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


Media


State Ratings

  • Minnesota: I


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Atascadero (Calif.) Community Band (Randy Schwalbe, conductor) - 7 May 2023
  • New Orleans (La.) Concert Band (Charles Taylor, conductor) – 16 December 2018
  • Atascadero (Calif.) Community Band (Randy Schwalbe, conductor) – 4 March 2018
  • Orange County (Anaheim, Calif.) Wind Symphony (Anthony Mazzaferro, conductor) - 12 April 2015
  • Lynnwood (Wash.) Community Band - 27 March 2015


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources

None discovered thus far.