The Essential Ring
(1874, arr. 2016)3(III=picc).2(II=corA).2.(II=bcl).3-5.3.3.1-Timp(1).perc(2):tri/cyms/sus cym/T-tam/anvil(10)-harp(2)-strings
Abbreviations (PDF)
Boosey & Hawkes
Part 1
Das Rheingold (duration 72')
Die Walküre (duration 68')
Part 2
Siegfried (duration 68’)
Götterdämmerung (duration 88’)
The Essential Ring can be performed separately as 4 different operas or combined sequentially in two groups.
By distilling all four of Richard Wagner’s full-length Ring operas into two three-hour evenings, and offering it in two orchestrations (original and reduced), the arranger, composer and conductor Jonathan McPhee has made this epic work accessible to more orchestras and audiences than ever before.
McPhee maintains Wagner’s original dramatic structure, keeping the story and essential vocal selections intact, yet maintaining the powerful, unique and thrilling soundscape. The adaptation has all the well-known and beloved orchestral passages as well as the essential vocal passages. Smooth transitions masterfully cover cuts in the material, making for an extraordinarily listenable work.
Both halves of “The Essential Ring” adaptation are available to rent in the original Wagner orchestration or a reduced version designed by McPhee for a standard-sized symphony. Some vocal parts have been combined to reduce the number of singers required for the adaptation, but original characters have been preserved and additional singers can be utilized if desired. Part I includes Das Rheingold & Die Walkure. Part II includes Siegfried & Götterdämmerung.
Piano Vocal scores are available for purchase. Orchestral materials are for rental only.