Largo al Factotum (Rossini)

Figaro, Figaro, Figaro! The fast-flowing verbal gymnastics have been transformed into a nimble usage of tongue and fingers by a euphonium soloist supported by an alert accompaniment, Largo al factotum is an energetic romp. Rossini's gift for melody and a sense of humor is obvious in this transcription by Geoffrey Brand.

Genre: Solo Euphonium with Band | # of Players: Standard + 1
Level: 4 | Duration: 5:00

Instrumentation
Solo Euphonium

1st Flute/Piccolo
2nd Flute
Oboe 1/2
1st Bb Clarinet
2nd Bb Clarinet
3rd Bb Clarinet
Eb Alto Clarinet
Bb Bass Clarinet
Bassoon 1/2
Eb Alto Saxophone 1/2
Bb Tenor Saxophone
Eb Baritone Saxophone

Bb Cornet 1
Bb Cornet 2/3
F Horn 1
F Horn 2
Trombone 1/2
Euphonium
TC Baritone
Tuba

String Bass

Percussion 1 (Cymbals/Snare Drum)
Percussion 2 (Glockenspiel/Xylophone)

No percussion parts are included in Rossini's original score: the percussion parts are entirely optional.

Program Notes
Rossini wrote his opera, The Barber of Seville, in less than three weeks, a remarkable achievement even for a 24 year old! No matter that the first performance, given in Rome in 1816 was hissed, The Barber of Seville offered abundant evidence that here was a composer possessed of a gift for melody and, no less, a sense of humor.

Figaro is the town barber, an ideal setting in which to indulge his traits as a wily trickster. In the opera, Largo al Factotum provides Figaro with the opportunity to declaim his penchant for intrigue. Two suitors are pursuing one lady, Rosina, a situation much to Figaro's liking, allowing him to indulge in plot and counter-plot.

Vocally, Largo al Factotum calls for fast flowing verbal gymnastics which, in this instrumental version, transfers to the nimble usage of tongue and fingers by a euphonium soloist supported by an alert accompaniment.