Vocal score
Encyclopedia
A vocal score or piano-vocal score is a music score of an opera
, or a vocal or choral composition with orchestra such as an oratorio
or cantata
, in which the vocal parts are written out in full but the accompaniment
is reduced and adapted for keyboard (usually piano). The music is usually reduced to two staves
; however, more staves, a second keyboardist (piano-four-hands), or a second keyboard part can be added as needed.
There are two main types of piano-vocal scores. The first kind consists of those scores created by a composer in the process of composing, usually as a harmonic map of the piece to be later orchestrated. The second category includes scores that are arrangements or transcriptions made after the completion of the work, usually by someone other than the composer.
Piano-vocal scores are generally created for purely practical reasons, such as rehearsing of singers or studying the compositional structure of the score. Before the widespread availability of sound recordings, piano-vocal scores were also sold for small-scale or home performance of the piece, where a full orchestra would not be practical.
Opera
Opera is an art form in which singers and musicians perform a dramatic work combining text and musical score, usually in a theatrical setting. Opera incorporates many of the elements of spoken theatre, such as acting, scenery, and costumes and sometimes includes dance...
, or a vocal or choral composition with orchestra such as an oratorio
Oratorio
An oratorio is a large musical composition including an orchestra, a choir, and soloists. Like an opera, an oratorio includes the use of a choir, soloists, an ensemble, various distinguishable characters, and arias...
or cantata
Cantata
A cantata is a vocal composition with an instrumental accompaniment, typically in several movements, often involving a choir....
, in which the vocal parts are written out in full but the accompaniment
Accompaniment
In music, accompaniment is the art of playing along with an instrumental or vocal soloist or ensemble, often known as the lead, in a supporting manner...
is reduced and adapted for keyboard (usually piano). The music is usually reduced to two staves
Staff (music)
In standard Western musical notation, the staff, or stave, is a set of five horizontal lines and four spaces that each represent a different musical pitch—or, in the case of a percussion staff, different percussion instruments. Appropriate music symbols, depending upon the intended effect,...
; however, more staves, a second keyboardist (piano-four-hands), or a second keyboard part can be added as needed.
There are two main types of piano-vocal scores. The first kind consists of those scores created by a composer in the process of composing, usually as a harmonic map of the piece to be later orchestrated. The second category includes scores that are arrangements or transcriptions made after the completion of the work, usually by someone other than the composer.
Piano-vocal scores are generally created for purely practical reasons, such as rehearsing of singers or studying the compositional structure of the score. Before the widespread availability of sound recordings, piano-vocal scores were also sold for small-scale or home performance of the piece, where a full orchestra would not be practical.