NOTATIO

In the process of preparing the material for a vocal work, such as an opera, a requiem mass, or an oratorio—let's take as examples Verdi's Rigoletto, Verdi's Requiem Mass, and Handel's Messiah—I was wondering what material will be used by the soloists and choir.

In the first case, obviously, they will learn it by heart, but I would still like to know from those with experience in the field what each choir member and soloist receives: a copy of the vocal score (all voices and piano) or a cut-down version?

In the second and third cases, where they will have to hold a book in their hands for the whole duration of the piece, I was wondering if the soloists and choir would receive a complete vocal score or a cut-down one. Reason to ask is that, for a 70-min work, the vocal score could be north of 200 pages, which may be very cumbersome.

Also, since I will be managing the print and distribution side, and above 120-140 pages one can no longer saddle-stitch effectively, having 100+ copies of the choir part hand-glued or even spiral-bound will be very expensive.

EDIT: now that I think about it, may it be possible that one creates a separated layout only for soloists + piano when needed, and a separate layout for each vocal register of the choir (Soprano-Alto-Tenor-Bass)?

Any detail that can be shared will be very appreciated!
Thank you!

Usually all singers will receive a copy of the complete vocal score, which will then be used for vocal coaching and rehearsals with a pianist.

There are other approaches that are sometimes used eg I think for Mahler 2 the chorus just receives a choir part for the final bit of the symphony, but in general a vocal and piano score with all the voice parts is normal.

David Ward wrote: ↑21 Nov 2024, 10:25 Usually all singers will receive a copy of the complete vocal score, which will then be used for vocal coaching and rehearsals with a pianist.

Which I believe will be smaller in size for them (roughly A4).

NeeraWM wrote: ↑21 Nov 2024, 09:44 Reason to ask is that, for a 70-min work, the vocal score could be north of 200 pages, which may be very cumbersome.

Vocal Score of the Matthew Passion (Baerenreiter) is 270pp.
Novello Messiah is 258pp.

200pp at 80gsm is 500g. Singers are used to it -- though "folder shoulder" is a recognised occupational injury.

Publishers tend to use paper with a high "bulk" -- this is light, but thick (so makes the book look like more value in the shop!)

NeeraWM wrote: ↑21 Nov 2024, 09:44 I will be managing the print and distribution side, and above 120-140 pages one can no longer saddle-stitch effectively, having 100+ copies of the choir part hand-glued or even spiral-bound will be very expensive.

Realistically, you would need to get this printed and bound as a paperback. (In English, printers call this "perfect bound", without a trace of irony.)
Or divide into "Part 1", "Part 2" of c. 100 pages each.

Separate layouts are an administrative nightmare. "Has everyone got the right copy...?"

benwiggy wrote: ↑07 Jan 2025, 13:12 Vocal Score of the Matthew Passion (Baerenreiter) is 270pp.
Novello Messiah is 258pp.

Thanks!
I don't have those handy: what staves are included in those? Both soloists, choir, and piano reduction (a)? Only choir and piano (b)? Only choir (c)?
If (c), does the pianist get another part, possibly (a)? If (b), do soloists sing from the full score?

Publishers tend to use paper with a high "bulk" -- this is light, but thick (so makes the book look like more value in the shop!)

Very interesting ... and evil, of course :-D

Realistically, you would need to get this printed and bound as a paperback. (In English, printers call this "perfect bound", without a trace of irony.)
Or divide into "Part 1", "Part 2" of c. 100 pages each.

Indeed, in Hungary they understand perfect bound, in Germany not so much, but a picture is usually worth a thousand words!

Separate layouts are an administrative nightmare. "Has everyone got the right copy...?"

I would love to avoid this so my goal is: one full score layout, one piano reduction one with all singers in it.
If this is not feasible, I could have a third layout without the soloists for the choir.
What do you think?

NeeraWM wrote: ↑07 Jan 2025, 13:33 I don't have those handy: what staves are included in those? Both soloists, choir, and piano reduction (a)? Only choir and piano (b)? Only choir (c)?
If (c), does the pianist get another part, possibly (a)? If (b), do soloists sing from the full score?

They are complete scores for all the voices, with a piano reduction. If you're stepping up from the chorus for a solo -- same copy. If you're playing the piano at the rehearsals -- same copy.

Got it!
Simplifying is key!
Thank you!