Review

Claudio Monteverdi
Music from Orfeo:

Arranged by Peter Knudsvig


Vuarmarens, , Switzerland
Publisher: Editions Bim
Date of Publication: 1988

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 5 brass

The arranger, Peter Knudsvig, holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Catholic University. He recently resigned his position as the principal trumpeter in the Hof Symphony Orchestra in Germany to take a position as Artist-Teacher of Trumpet at Concordia College in Minnesota. He continues as a founding member and chief arranger for the Rekkenze Brass. This German ensemble has established an international reputation with its many recordings, performances and published arrangements. Music from Orfeo was recorded on their compact disc A Night at the Opera (FONO Schallplatten GmbH FCD 97 708). 

This arrangement links together three disparate instrumental portions from Monteverdi’s 1607 iconic opera, La favola d’Orfeo. First heard is the short prelude labeled toccata from the opera. This is followed by the solemn Sinfonia which opens Act III and the slow and reverential music that accompanies the entry of Apollo in Act V. The opening toccata is then reprised. The toccata makes an excellent short fanfare while the other music can be somewhat tedious if ornamentation is not added. The two trumpet parts carry all the melodic material while the other three members of the quintet act as support, with no rest! This music can be read at sight by professional and college level groups and is accessible to good high school players.

-Karl Hinterbichler
University of New Mexico