Carmina Burana Range

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MrHCinDE
Posts: 1039
Joined: Jul 01, 2018

by MrHCinDE » (edited 2019-05-06 6:50 p.m.)

Can anyone tell me what range is written in the alto and tenor parts on Carmina Burana, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 9th movements only?

I’ve been offered the gig and before I say yes to tenor and/or alto I’d like to be confident I can play it. In the last year I played the alto part in Haydn’s Jahreszeiten and Beethoven’s 9th as a point of reference.
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brassmedic
Posts: 1447
Joined: Dec 14, 2018

by brassmedic »

It doesn't go particularly high. As far as I can remember, it doesn't go above A. I would play it on tenor, not alto.
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MrHCinDE
Posts: 1039
Joined: Jul 01, 2018

by MrHCinDE »

Thanks for the info. I was a bit surprised the organizer mentioned an alto part but since I’ve never played it or even seen the parts I’ve no idea what’s written at the top of the page. Sounds like it’s in an ok range so I’ll put my name down for either part.
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Burgerbob
Posts: 6327
Joined: Apr 23, 2018

by Burgerbob »

Might be in alto clef. Definitely for tenors.
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BGuttman
Posts: 7368
Joined: Mar 22, 2018

by BGuttman »

Orff was expecting a tenor. I do remember one high C, but I don't remember which movement it's in. Also a couple of high Bb's.

You never double the altos in the 1st part, so an alto isn't necessary.

2nd doesn't have the C or Bb.
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bellend
Posts: 218
Joined: Mar 23, 2018

by bellend »

Funny, I seem to remember a unison hign Bb at the start of one movement? But it was40 years ago <EMOJI seq="1f628" tseq="1f628">😨</EMOJI>

Great piece you'll enjoy it.

BellEnd
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timothy42b
Posts: 1812
Joined: Mar 27, 2018

by timothy42b »

It always makes me hungry.

For more tuna.
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Specialk3700
Posts: 132
Joined: Mar 27, 2018

by Specialk3700 »

[quote="BGuttman"]Orff was expecting a tenor. I do remember one high C, but I don't remember which movement it's in. Also a couple of high Bb's.

You never double the altos in the 1st part, so an alto isn't necessary.

2nd doesn't have the C or Bb.[/quote]

I played it 2 weeks ago on bass, all 3 parts have a high Bb. I believe in the 14th mvt.
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BurckhardtS
Posts: 253
Joined: Mar 25, 2018

by BurckhardtS »

That also is probably different depending on the edition.
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AndrewMeronek
Posts: 1487
Joined: Mar 30, 2018

by AndrewMeronek »

Just played this last month, on 2nd bone. I did notice the 1st bone hanging on some nice forte high B-naturals at one point. In general, it's not too rangey, but it is a workout. Hardest part for me was catching all the tempo changes.