Rusalka, Op.114 (Study score)

Description

This study score of Antonín Dvorák’s penultimate and most well-known opera “Rusalka” (1900) corresponds to the new critical edition published in 2023 that brings the musical text of the opera up to today’s standards. Editors Robert Simon and Jonáš Hájek worked not only with the autograph and the copy of the score from which the premiere and many subsequent performances were conducted, but also with three handwritten piano reductions directly connected to Dvorák that had not been evaluated for the previous Jarmil Burghauser edition, as well as with sketches and other sources. What is new compared to the previous edition is the consistent marking of editorial additions, the restoring of some of Dvorák’s original readings in the vocal text, and a detailed evaluation of the vi-de markings authorised by the composer. At the same time a certain variability is retained and conductors continue to have the option to make cuts.

Instrumentation in detail: 

Soprano (5), Mezzo-soprano, Alto, Tenor (3), Bass, Choir, Piccolo flute, Flute (2), Oboe (2), Cor anglais, Clarinet (2), Bass clarinet, Bassoon (2), Horn (5), Trumpet (3), Trombone (3), Tuba, Timpani, Triangle, Tam-Tam (gong), Cymbals, Concert bass drum, Harp, Harmonium, Strings