Presented in a highly praised new production by Glyndebourne Opera in 2009, this edition of Purcell's third semi-opera, The Fairy Queen, offers a new and definitive version of words and music prepared by two leading scholars in the field. The playtext, anonymously adapted from Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, is printed in full, and the role of the various sources, and the relationship of the manuscript theatre score to the printed word-books of 1692 and 1693, are thoroughly reappraised. The other sources include music manuscripts which have not previously been examined, and which prove to have a significant bearing on the musical text. Full account is taken of the varied instrumental resources and conventions accessible to the Restoration composer, reflected in the multi-purpose performing material for the edition which is available for rental (HL390).
Performing material now available for rental:
The Fairy Queen [c.205' complete play, c.130' music only] (Ref. HL390)
Three soprano (or two soprano and one mezzo soprano), three countertenor, two tenor and two bass soloists *, SATB chorus, with two treble recorders, two oboes, two trumpets, timpani, instrumental bass (theorbo/bassoon(s)/bass recorder), strings 3.3.2.2. & harpsichord continuo
* Minimum numbers of soloists required for a staged performance. For a concert performance, the minimum number of soloists required is two sopranos, two countertenors, one tenor and one bass (but more than one role in the same act will need to be doubled)
