Toccata

In 1607, Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643) composed l'Orfeo, one of the first ever operas, about Orpheus's failed attempt to bring his beloved Eurydice back from the Underworld. With the large number of players called on, this work heralded the birth of the symphony orchestra. Apart from the massive historic significance of this opera, the music is surprisingly fresh, accessible to players of all levels and a joy to listen to. The Toccata - basically the Overture - is easy to put together and will fit any program as a curtain-raiser or interlude. Although in this arrangement 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. This is facilitated further by strategic use of cue-notes. 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.