Norma Overture

From Wind Repertory Project
Vincenzo Bellini

Vincenzo Bellini (arr. Louis-Philippe Laurendeau)


General Info

Year: 1831
Duration: c. 5:45
Difficulty: V (see Ratings for explanation)
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-IV
B-flat Soprano Saxophone
E-flat Alto Saxophone
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
E-flat Soprano Cornet
Cornets Solo-I-II
E-flat Horn or Alto I-II-III
B-flat Tenor Horn
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
Timpani
Percussion (2 players), including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Snare Drum


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Norma is a tragedia lirica or opera in two acts by Vincenzo Bellini with libretto by Felice Romani after Norma, ou L'infanticide (Norma, or The Infanticide) by Alexandre Soumet. It was first produced at La Scala in Milan on 26 December 1831.

The opera, set in Gaul in the first century B.C., is regarded as a leading example of the bel canto genre, and the soprano prayer Casta diva in Act I is justly famous.

- Program Note from Wikipedia


It is strange that Bellini’s greatest opera was his greatest failure at its first performance. It took place at La Scala in Milan on December 26, 1831. Bellini himself referred to that performance as Fiasco! On its revival, it ran for 43 performances. That marked its achieving a position in the permanent repertoire.

The plot centers around the high priestess of the Druids, Norma, who is driven by her great love for Pollio, the Roman proconsul, to break the Druid vow of chastity by secretly marrying him. Pollio’s love later turns to the priestess Adalgisa. Ignorant of Pollio’s marital state, Adalgisa confides her passion to Norma and begs for an absolution from her vows. The discovery of Pollio’s infidelity enrages both women. When Pollio attempts to snatch his loved one from the altar, Norma orders the Druids to capture him. Given the choice of renouncing Adalgisa or accepting death, Pollio chooses the latter. This so moves Norma that she tears the wreath from her head and confesses her own guilt. In atonement, Norma joins her husband on the funeral pyre.

- Program Note from Heritage Encyclopedia of Band Music


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

  • New England Conservatory (Boston) Junior Massachusetts Youth Wind Ensemble (Jared Cassidy, conductor) – 20 December 2016


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources