Gypsy Dance (Bizet)

From Wind Repertory Project
Georges Bizet

Georges Bizet (arr. Alfred Reed)


Subtitle: From Carmen


General Info

Year: 1872 / 1997
Duration: c. 4:25
Difficulty: III-1/2 (see Ratings for explanation)
Original Medium: Orchestra
Publisher: C.L. Barnhouse
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $90.00   |   Score Only (print) - $8.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo/Flute III
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
English Horn
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 Cornet I-II
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Harp or Piano
Timpani
Percussion, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Marimba
  • Snare Drum
  • Tambourine


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Carmen became Bizet’s most celebrated work, although the premiere at the Opéra Comique in Paris on March 3, 1875, was greeted by silence from its charter audience. Bizet died three months later, believing that his last opera had completely failed. By featuring smugglers, gypsies, factory girls, corporals, and cigarette smokers, Carmen violated the chastity and lightweight fare of the typical Opéra Comique productions. Despite its initial critiques, the quality of the music and the international “soap opera” appeal -- a tangled relationship amongst the beautiful, seductive Carmen, the army corporal Don José, and the famous matador Escamillo -- have continued to promote the work. Bizet’s portrayal of Spanish life and music, and his understanding of the gypsies is instinctive and real. Upon hearing it in Paris, Peter I Tchaikovsky announced, "In a few years Carmen will be the most popular opera in the world." With the 1875 Vienna production, just months after the disastrous Paris premiere, Carmen was on its way to fulfilling Tchaikovsky's prediction. Other major composers of Bizet’s era who praised Carmen were Brahms, Wagner, and Ravel.

- Program Note from University of Texas Wind Symphony concert program, 22 February 2017


Media


State Ratings

  • Georgia: IV
  • Tennessee: V


Performances

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Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


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