Hi all!
I have recently written a piece in memory of one of my professors that
passed away. The piece is for SSATB chorus, harp and flute. I would like to
produce a complete set of parts for this work so I can send them back home
to Ottawa to the university where I studied with him. What I was wondering
is what parts I should produce?
Obviously, I will produce a full score for the conductor, a harp part and
a flute part. But should the choral score be just a choral score or should
there be the harp part on there as well (reduced in size, of course)?
Thanking you in advance, Taris
Hi Taris,
One of the main concerns with any work involving a chorus is the precious rehearsal time as doubtless it will involve a large number of people. That usually means extra rehearsals for the singers, lots of copies plus lots of reprints if you get it wrong and probably plenty of confusion amongst the singers unless things are absolutely clear on their vocal scores.
Keep in mind that first rehearsals for the singers may be with a pianist and that the 'vocal score' should be practical from that point. Try to get as much information onto the page as possible to help the chorus in every way you can.
I would suggest preparing a separate 'vocal score' containing all the vocal lines laid out as clearly as possible with separate staves if need be, with a double stave below containing all relevant information from both the Harp and Flute parts to aid the singers. I would not reduce this in size. It needs to be read and interpreted by both the chorus and maybe a rehearsal pianist, so it should be just as clear as the choral staves. Maybe an occasional reduction in the note size of either the 2 instrumental parts if things get really confusing by reducing the least important part as far as rehearsal cueing will demand. But I would guess with only 2 instruments scored this will not be required.
Page turns will not be so critical from a rehearsal standpoint but one thing to watch out for in choral works is having a page turn just after a very quiet cadence point or pause (fermata). This can often completely ruin any atmosphere created. Also avoid turning during difficult passages, the singers will appreciate it!
One more thing that often get overlooked. Vocal scores need to be more durable than instrumental parts, so use thicker quality paper, bind really well and try to include a slightly oversized cover sheet. Try a cream, off-white or slight buff tint which is better for reading small print under bright lights.
Jonathan
_______________________________________________ Finale mailing list Finale@shsu.edu http://lists.shsu.edu/mailman/listinfo/finale
