Judex

Judex (1885) is the best-known movement from the epic oratorio Mors et Vita (Death and Life) by Charles Gounod (1818-1893). Partly sung by choir in the original setting, the music describes God, seated as judge on his throne for the Day of Reckoning. Most of the movement consists of an idyllic melody, played in unison by the strings, braced at both ends by solemn fanfares of the brass section. This arrangement is a semitone higher than the original, but no music was cut. Although parts are provided for a typical small youth or community orchestra line-up, the musical texture is such that parts can easily be left out or swapped around at the discretion of the conductor. For similar reasons, alternate parts are provided for alto saxophone and bass clarinet, duplicating one of the horn and bassoon parts. String parts include suggested bowing. The arrangements of the Youth Orchestra Light Series are specifically designed for smaller groups who want to play interesting and edifying music, but don't necessarily have the large resources that are often assumed in similar editions. These arrangements try to do justice to the original intent of the music, in particular with regards to orchestral color and texture.