Rigoletto, Open12 Edition (Parts)
Rigoletto, a cornerstone of Verdi’s middle period, premiered at La Fenice in Venice on March 11, 1851. Based on Victor Hugo’s controversial play Le Roi s’amuse, the opera unfolds around a hunchbacked court jester, his innocent daughter, and a libertine duke. Verdi sculpted a darkly emotional drama of power, vengeance, and doomed love. Its musical innovations—such as the powerful quartet "Bella figlia dell’amore"—redefined Italian opera. Verdi’s exploration of inner psychology and moral ambiguity in Rigoletto marked a turning point in his career and in 19th-century opera.
Rigoletto for Chamber Ensemble (12-14 players)
With only one player per string part, careful attention must be given to sound balance. Unlike the Chamber Orchestra version, which includes a fuller string section, the reduced string forces can be easily overpowered by winds or percussion. We recommend subtle amplification of the strings where possible, or alternatively, strategic dynamic adjustments—such as reducing wind and percussion volume—to maintain clarity and ensemble blend. Rigoletto for Chamber Ensemble is under preparation and will require:
- Flute with piccolo, oboe (with optional english horn), clarinet, bassoon
- (French) Horn, trumpet
- Optional trombone
- 1 or 2 percussionists with timpani, bass drum, bells
- String quintet (1.1.1.1.1)
- Extra: on-stage string quintet and off-stage band (piccolo, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, french horn, trumpet).
Open12 Edition
Open12 Editions are similar to the newer Chamber Ensemble versions.. The upgrade includes more options and higher printing standards, including cues in multi-rests and larger fonts. The Open12 Edition of Rigoletto will remain available until the Chamber Ensemble version is issued.
