Sibelius: Luonnotar, Op. 70
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- Composer: Jean Sibelius (1865-1957)
- Instrumentation (this edition): Piano Reduction, Soprano
- Originally for: Soprano, Orchestra
- Work: Luonnotar, Op. 70
- Work Languages: Finnish, German
- ISMN:
- Size: 7.5 x 10.6 inches
- Pages: 16
- Urtext / Critical Edition
Description
The first performance of Luonnotar took place on September 10, 1913, in Shire Hall, Gloucester. It is one of the cornerstones of his entire production.
Luonnotar was planned especially for the tessitura and for the type and for the color of the voice of Aino Ackté (1876-1944). The score thus tells a great deal about this singers abilities. The total range needed for the vocal part is two full octaves, and the pianissimo high c-flat is a well-known trial for sopranos.
Luonnotar is the last of the tone poems based directly on the Kalevala. Sibelius himself chose the text. It does not form any clear and unified whole nor does it outline a plot. Rather than telling a story, the text gives a series of impressions, a kind of Finnish version of the creation of the world.
The music text of the study score is based on Volume VIII/1 of the Complete Edition Jean Sibelius Works. This volume also contains a detailed introduction of the work, as well as a Critical Commentary in English.
Publishers use a lot of words to describe what they sell, and we know it can be confusing. We've tried to be as clear as possible to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Below are descriptions of the terms that we use to describe the various formats that music often comes in.
Choral Score
A score for vocalists that only contains the vocal lines. The instrumental parts are not there for reference. Generally, cheaper than a vocal score and requires multiple copies for purchase.
Facsimile
Reproductions of the original hand-written scores from the composer.
Full Score
For ensemble music, this indicates that the edition contains all parts on a single system (there are not separate parts for each player). In larger ensembles, this is for the conductor.
Hardcover
Hardbound. Generally either linen-covered or half-leather.
Orchestral Parts
Similar to a wind set, this is a collection of parts. In the case of strings, the numbers listed are the number of copies included, though generally these are available individually (often with minimum quantities required).
Paperback
When publishers offer multiple bindings (e.g. hardcover) or study scores, this is the "standard" version. If you're planning to play the music, this is probably what you want.
Performance / Playing Score
A score of the music containing all parts on one system, intended for players to share. There are not separate parts for each player.
Set of Parts
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Solo Part with Piano Reduction
For solo pieces with orchestra, this is a version that contains a piano reduction of the orchestra parts. For piano pieces, two copies are typically needed for performance.
Study Score
A small (think choral size) copy of the complete score meant for studying, and not playing. They make great add-ons when learning concertos and small chamber works.
Vocal Score
A score prepared for vocalists that includes the piano/organ part or a reduction of the instrumental parts.
Wind Set
For orchestral music, this is a collection of wind and percussion parts. The specific quantities of each instrument are notated.
With Audio
In addition to the printed music, the edition contains recordings of the pieces. This may be an included CD, or access to files on the internet.
With / Without Fingering (Markings)
Some publishers prepare two copies - a pure Urtext edition that includes no fingering (or bowing) suggestions and a lightly edited version that includes a minimal number of editorial markings.