Operas

for chamber ensemble

Antonin Dvořák

Rusalka

Version for chamber ensemble

Commissioned by the Komische Oper Berlin in 2020 for the 2021 revival of Barrie Kosky’s celebrated staging of Dvořák’s most famous opera, this chamber version for 18 players retains the vivid characterisation of the original orchestration, combined with the typical colours of Dvořák’s chamber music.

1(picc).2(ca).2(bcl).1 - 2.0.1.0 - timp.perc. - harp - harm - 1.1.1.1.1

Richard Strauss

Salome

Version for chamber ensemble

Commissioned by Tulsa Opera, Oklahoma for their new production in 2022, this chamber version of Salome for 24 players emphasises the visionary expressionism of Strauss’s orchestration while bringing clarity and transparency to this complex score.

1(picc).2(ca).2(Eb+bcl).asax.2(cbn) - 2.1.1.0 - timp.2perc - hf - cel - 2.1.1.2.1

“Strauss originally composed “Salome” for a 105-piece orchestra. Tulsa Opera used a new orchestral reduction by Nigel Shore for 25 musicians. The orchestra may not have had the strength of numbers, but neither did it sound anemic. The harsh beauties and stern complexities of Strauss’ score were all there, and the balance between the pit and the stage was just about perfect.” (Tulsa World)