Clément Philibert Léo Delibes was a French composer, best known for his ballets and operas, including works such as Lakmé (with its famous “Flower Duet”), Coppélia and Sylvia (both key works in the development of modern ballet). The latter started as a play, Aminta, by the Italian poet Torquato Tasso, which Delibes set to music. It was then adapted for the Paris Opera with rehearsals starting in August 1875. The premiere took place on 14 June 1876 and was the first ballet to be shown at the newly-built Opera Garnier. Whilst the scenery and costumes were created by top artists and designers (Chéret and Lacoste), it was Delibes's music that shown thrown, being said to have saved the production, preventing the ballet from drifting into obscurity.
Sylvia is said to be one of the first modern ballets, with Tchaikovsky remarking to composer Sergei Taneyev upon its ingenuity: “... the first ballet, where the music constitutes not only the main, but the only interest. What charm, what elegance, what richness of melody, rhythm, harmony." Although Swan Lake, a contemporary to Sylvia, is considered one of the best ballets there is, Tchaikovsky preferred Sylvia to his own work, saying Swan Lake was "poor stuff in comparison". Tchaikovsky said to Taneyev, "I was ashamed. If I had known this music early then, of course, I would not have written Swan Lake". The music to Sylvia, rather than setting only the mood, also sets the action and is noted for its use of leitmotifs – Delibes was an admirer of Wagner – and more dominant use of brass and wind. The most famous piece from this ballet is the Pizzicati in the third act.
Act I of the ballet takes place in sacred wood, where creatures are worshipping before Eros when Sylvia arrives with her huntresses to mock the god of love. Aminta, a lowly shepherd and infatuated with Sylvia, protects the deity and Sylvia is wounded by Eros’s arrow. The hunter Orion kidnaps Sylvia, whilst Eros revives Aminta. Act II takes place in Orion's Island cave, where Sylvia tries to bribe Orion with jewels and wine. Unsuccessful, she appeals to Eros for help, who arrives and takes her to the temple of Diana (where the final act takes place). Orion and Aminta fight, Sylvia and Orion cause the goddess of the hunt, Diana, to be outraged, smiting Orion and denying the love of Aminta and Sylvia. Eros shows Diana a vision, which changes her mind and the couple finally come together.
This brilliant and lively fanfare that introduces the huntresses in the first act is arranged here for the UK-style brass band, with alternative parts for horns in F and bass-clef lower brass. The piece has been lowered by a tone compared to the original.
A recording of the original composition can be found here https://youtu.be/6yoGrUH38PI?si=0L0bFa1qXnYNvkR3
Duration: Approx. 3.10 minutes
Difficulty Level: 1st Section +
This PDF download includes the full score and parts. Includes alternative parts for soloist in Eb, horns in F and lower brass in bass clef.
Sheet music available at www.brassband.co.uk (UK) or www.cimarronmusic.com (USA)
Instrumentation:
Soprano Cornet Eb
Solo Cornet Bb
Repiano Cornet Bb
2nd Cornet Bb
3rd Cornet Bb
Flugel Horn Bb
Solo Horn Eb
1st Horn Eb
2nd Horn Eb
1st Baritone Bb
2nd Baritone Bb
1st Trombone Bb
2nd Trombone Bb
Bass Trombone
Euphonium Bb
Bass Eb
Bass Bb
Timpani
Percussion - Triangle, Cymbal & Bass Drum