Barcarolle from The Tales of Hoffmann (Jacques Offenbach)
clarinet, flute, guitar, saxophone, string, or woodwind quartet
ca. 3:00
Score Previews for Quartets
Program Notes
Jacques Offenbach (1819-1880) began composing what would become his last opera, The Tales of Hoffmann, in 1887. Known for his comical operettas (such as Orpheus in the Underworld), Offenbach hoped that the more serious tone of The Tales of Hoffmann would help establish him as a master of serious opera. Unfortunately, he died before completing his opera; it was completed by Ernest Guiraud (1837-1892) and premiered in 1881. Barcarolle from The Tales of Hoffmann is among Offenbach’s most popular works and is frequently performed in concert halls all around the world.
Quartet Instrumentation
Clarinet Quartet
Bb Clarinet 1-3
Bass Clarinet
Flute Quartet
Flute 1-3
Alto Flute
Guitar Quartet
Guitar 1-4
Saxophone Quartet
Alto Saxophone 1, 2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone
String Quartet
Violin 1
Violin 2
Viola
Cello
Woodwind Quartet
Flute
Oboe
Bb Clarinet
Bassoon