[78-L] Toscanini and Waldteufel

[Valerie Langfield]

>As for simply adjusting it for a larger orchestra, the original 
>orchestration is big to begin with, and, with an obvious unique 
>exception, standard in Waldteufel dances: strings, double woodwind + 
>piccolo, 4 horns, 2 cornets, 3 trombones, ophicleide or euphonium, 
>tympani, side/bass drums, cymbals, triangle, and of course sleigh bells.
Not just standard for Waldteufel - this was a standard line-up in 19th C 
orchestration, especially in opera, from at least Balfe's time (his 
Bohemian Girl dates from 1843, but his earlier operas use the same 
line-up). The extra piccolo was less common (it would usually be played 
by the second flautist). William Vincent Wallace (who composed Maritana, 
one of the big hits of the day) used an even larger orchestra. The 
euphonium was used in the later part of the century as ophicleides and 
their earlier version, the serpent, fell out of fashion. There were 
usually two percussionists, one on bass drum and cymbals (the bass drum 
had an attachment for cymbals, to enable both instruments to be played 
by one player) and one on snare/side drum and triangle. I'd have to see 
a score to know whether a third percussionist really was needed for the 
sleigh bells, or whether one of the other players could manage them. :)

Waldteufel's orchestral set-up is absolutely normal for his period. Did 
Toscanini really alter this? I can't see the need, so I'd love to know.

Valerie Langfield

>Finally, a bit of trivia: did you know Waldteufel was the earliest-born 
>(1837) conductor to record?  A very few sides for French Gramophone 
>that didn't last long in the catalogues. I've never heard them, but 
>they're among my top things to track down.
>
>PC
>________________________________________
>From: 78-l-bounces at klickitat.78online.com 
>[78-l-bounces at klickitat.78online.com] on behalf of Don Cox 
>[doncox at enterprise.net]
>Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 7:26 AM
>To: 78-L Mail List
>Subject: Re: [78-L] Toscanini
>
>Hello DAVID
>
>On 12/03/2012, DAVID BURNHAM wrote:
>> Didn't Toscanini orchestrate "Skaters' Waltz"?
>>
>He performed it, but Waldteufel composed the piece for orchestra, so
>there would be no need for an orchestral arrangement.
>
>Possibly minor adjustments for an orchestra bigger than Waldteufel's
>own. But I see no mention of "arrangement" in RCA's booklet or in
>Mortimer Frank's book.

-- 
Valerie Langfield
www.rogerquilter.co.uk
www.boydell.co.uk/51158714.HTM
rcq at minuet.demon.co.uk