Prokofieff, Serge: Overture on Hebrew Themes op. 34 op. 34a (1919) 9'
arranged for orchestra by the composer
Scoring
2.2.2.2-2.2.0.0-perc:BD-pft-strings
Composer's Notes Deutsch
Repertoire Note
In New York, in his early post-revolutionary years of exile, Prokofieff arranged some delightfully catchy klezmer tunes (traditional Jewish wedding music) for a group of friends who had a small ensemble with those traditional klezmer instruments, clarinet, violin and double-bass. A few years later he made this second version for small orchestra, exchanging the feel of chamber music for something larger, but adding more of a sense of occasion to the music and even more sparkle. In this form, the Overture makes a charming concert-opener, but would work also as an unusual encore, guaranteed to bring a smile to the faces of everyone in the hall.
Note by Gerard McBurney
arranged for orchestra by the composer
Scoring
2.2.2.2-2.2.0.0-perc:BD-pft-strings
Composer's Notes Deutsch
Repertoire Note
In New York, in his early post-revolutionary years of exile, Prokofieff arranged some delightfully catchy klezmer tunes (traditional Jewish wedding music) for a group of friends who had a small ensemble with those traditional klezmer instruments, clarinet, violin and double-bass. A few years later he made this second version for small orchestra, exchanging the feel of chamber music for something larger, but adding more of a sense of occasion to the music and even more sparkle. In this form, the Overture makes a charming concert-opener, but would work also as an unusual encore, guaranteed to bring a smile to the faces of everyone in the hall.
Note by Gerard McBurney
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