Au fond du temple saint

From Wind Repertory Project
Georges Bizet

Georges Bizet (arr. William V Johnson)


Subtitle: for Trombone Duet and Symphonic Winds from the Opera "The Pearl Fishers"


General Info

Year: 1863 / 2017
Duration: c. 6:00
Difficulty: (see Ratings for explanation)
Original Medium: Orchestra and vocal duet
Publisher: William V. Johnson
Cost: Score and Parts (digital) - $20.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
Solo Trombone I
Solo Trombone II
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
English Horn
Bassoon I-II
Contrabassoon
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
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Harp
Timpani


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Au fond du temple saint (At the back of the holy temple) is a duet from Georges Bizet's 1863 opera Les pêcheurs de perles, sung by Nadir (tenor) and Zurga (baritone) in act I. Generally known as "The Pearl Fishers' Duet", it is one of the best-known numbers in Western opera.

After a self-imposed absence, Nadir returns to the shores of Ceylon, where his friend Zurga has just been elected Fisher King by the local pearl fishermen. The two had once fallen in love with the same woman, but then vowed to renounce that love and remain true to each other. On meeting again, they sing this duet, remembering how they first fell in love/were fascinated with a veiled priestess of Brahma whom they saw passing through the adoring crowd.

This duet reappears at the end of the opera, but is sung in unison as the soprano Leila and the tenor Nadir declare their love which will transcend all their trials -- while Zurga sacrifices himself, knowing of their love, as he lets them flee to safety.

- Program note by William V. Johnson and Wikipedia


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


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources