Franz Schreker
Nachtstück
Short instrumentation: 4 3 3 3 - 4 3 3 1 - timp, perc(6), hp(2), cel, str
Duration: 14'
Instrumentation details:
piccolo
1st flute
2nd flute
3rd flute
1st oboe
2nd oboe
3rd oboe
1st clarinet in A (+cl(Bb))
2nd clarinet in A (+cl(Bb))
bass clarinet in Bb
1st bassoon
2nd bassoon
contrabassoon
1st horn in F (+hn(A)
hn(E))
2nd horn in F (+hn(A)
hn(E))
3rd horn in F (+hn(A)
hn(E))
4th horn in F (+hn(A)
hn(E))
1st trumpet in C (+tpt(E)
tpt(A)
tpt(F))
2nd trumpet in C (+tpt(E)
tpt(A)
tpt(F))
3rd trumpet in C (+tpt(E)
tpt(A)
tpt(F))
1st trombone
2nd trombone
3rd trombone
bass tuba
timpani
percussion(6)
celesta
1st harp
2nd harp
violin I
violin II
viola
violoncello
contrabass
Schreker - Nachtstück for orchestra
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Franz Schreker
Schreker: "Nachtstück" from the Opera "Der ferne Klang" for orchestraOrchestration: for orchestra
Type: Studienpartitur
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Work introduction
Nachtstück is an ideal introduction for anyone wishing to acquaint themselves with the spirit of Schreker’s music and his unique sound. The key word could be ‘longing’ – longing for a distant sound (the sound of distance?), which Franz Schreker envisions in his opera of that name, Der Ferne Klang. This sense of longing can be heard at the very beginning – the music portrays a dreamlike state (with the celeste and two harps playing an important role); the melody is tender, passionate and at times despairing. According to Schreker, ‘a misspent life passes in front of the hero’s eyes; it is not until the break of day that he finds peace and salvation.’