Downsizing Sweeney- Page 2

[Jazzysuite82]

Posted: 1/21/09 at 1:45am

Mike, you might get better answers from A) People who are actually musical directors and B)Professionals.

Having said that I think it would be helpful to let us know how many pieces you want to do it with. I mean you COULD do Sweeney with 2 pianos if you wanted. It's hard not knowing your budget etc. I know for a fact Jonathan Tunick did reduced orchestrations for 7 players I believe. You can sort of take some of these parts and have them doubled on synth, but that'd be only getting rid of 1 instrument. But if you're cutting things at all you'd better have REALLY good musicians and a stellar musical director who has arranging skills. You're going to want to keep the same quality of sound with different instruments.

[Smaxie]

Posted: 1/21/09 at 6:07am

If you have to cut parts, I'd keep the brass and reeds, piano and percussion and maybe add a synth for the string parts. The reed parts give the score much of its creepy atmosphere, and the brass is pretty crucial for many of the big moments in the show. That nine piece orchestration though is very intricately written, though, so try to use as many parts of it as you can.

[Elphie3]

Posted: 1/21/09 at 8:15am

Sorry - in terms of set I thought you were referring to Forbidden Broadway LOL

[musikman]

Posted: 1/21/09 at 9:40am

The original orchestrator, Jonathan Tunick, probably knowing that many productions and companies would not have the resources, or even space for a 31 piece orchestra, re-orchestrated the music for 9 players.

1 Violin,
1 Cello,
1 Bassoon,
1 Clarinet,
1 Trumpet,
1 French Horn,
1 Bass
1 Percussionist
1 Keyboard player

Posted: 1/22/09 at 1:39am

WHAT!???? Why are you cutting the orchestra!? You're already using the 9 instrument version which is a very poor substitute for Jonathan Tunick's BRILLIANT orchestration. Don't cut the orchestra!!!! It's what gives the piece it's character. The instruments are part of the atmosphere of the show, you can't cut them! Haven't you been reading about how producers on Broadway and at regional theaters all over the country want to cut the orchestras back? There was even a strike in nyc a couple of years ago. A piano is no substitute. An electric keyboard is definitely no substitute! Think of someplace else to save money but PLEASE don't cut the orchestra!!!!

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 2:14am

Cut the orchestra all together and use recorded synthesizer tracks. That should be fun.

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 2:18am

*laughs* RehearScore'll do the job!

No thanks.