Principles of Orchestration, with Musical Examples Drawn from His Own Works

by Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov

[No. 295.] Sadko 219.

* Tsar Saltan 207.

* Legend of Kitesh 167 (cf. [Ex. 116]).

* The Golden Cockerel 236.

Heavier scoring is required for a mixed chorus; for a male voice chorus the orchestration should be lighter; still more so for women's voices alone. In scoring a certain passage the composer should not lose sight of the number of choristers he is employing, for scenic conditions may necessitate a reduction of that figure. The approximate number should be marked in the full score as a basis upon which to work.

Examples:

[No. 296.] Ivan the Terrible, Act II 37.

* Sadko 17, 20.

* Legend of Kitesh 61 (cf. [Ex. 198]).

Note. It must also be remembered that a ff passage on an enlarged orchestra, comprising wood-wind in fours, and numerous brass (sometimes in three's), is capable of overpowering a large mixed chorus.