Ballet Music II from Rosamunde

Performance Notes ***** This arrangement of Schubert's Ballet Music II to the play Rosamunde, Op. 26 is intended for a string ensemble with at least three years experience. The tempo should be between 80-100 with a light-hearted character. 1st and second violins both have passages which may be played divisi. When the music goes above 1st position, such as m. 29, an optional lower octave is given. An interesting rhythmic pattern at m. 79 will give students an opportunity to perform triplets against dotted eighths and sixteenth notes while the bassi and celli play straight eighth notes. Calibrate softer dynamic levels carefully so that accents are done tastefully within the context of late Classical style. Note that the section in G Minor at m. 19 is marked piano. The accents and the fp at m. 22 should not be explosive, but just loud enough to subtly disrupt the flow of this gentle music. If details of the story will help your interpretation of the music, you may wish to know Rosamunde is the princess of Cyprus. She is sought after by Alfonso, a prince, and Fulgentius the ruler of Cyprus who is also a sorcerer. Other characters include some fisherman and assorted pirates. In the end Alfonso gets Rosamunde. Of the many fine recordings of this music, Bruno Walter and the Columbia Symphony provide the most elegant interpretation. Thank you for choosing this music. I trust that you and your students will find it instructive, enlightening, and enjoyable. Sincerely, Joseph Compello April, 2022