Overture to “The Barber of Seville”

for percussion orchestra

Program Notes

This overture is one of the most recognizable pieces of classical music as it still finds itself being used and referenced in today’s pop culture. Originally composed for opera in 1816, it has now been arranged for a percussion orchestra consisting of marimbas, vibraphones, glockenspiel, xylophone, and timpani.

All performers use only two mallets throughout this composition. While the notes themselves are not too challenging, the amount of notes and the musicality needed to perform it effectively are a challenge in itself. Your students and audience will be sure to enjoy this one.

Instrumentation

  • 1 Marimba 5.0 oct

  • 3 Marimba 4.3 oct

  • 3 Vibraphones

  • Xylophone

  • Glockenspiel

  • Timpani (2 or 4)

Level: Medium

Duration: 5:30

Number of Players: 10

This piece is available for purchase directly from Andrew Smit

A PDF of a conductor’s score and all individual parts will be sent electronically