Instrumentation
The piece is scored for a relatively full orchestra.
There is also a chamber version for smaller orchestra,
though of course I like the full version better.
Full Version
Happy Prince (tenor or baritone)
Swallow/Narrator/Everything Else (alto or mezzo soprano)
full string section
2 flutes
2 oboes
2 clarinets
2 bassoons
2 horns
2 trumpets
harp
piano
percussion (see below)
Chamber Version
Happy Prince
Swallow/Narrator/Everything Else
2 violins
viola
cello
double bass (with C extension)
2 clarinets (one doubling on bass clarinet)
2 horns
piano
percussion
Vocal Ranges
The range of the female voice is from the G below middle C
to the G-sharp an octave and a half above middle C.
The range of the male voice is from the B-flat an octave
below middle C to the G-sharp above middle C.
Percussion
I tried to write the percussion parts in such a way that
a single percussionist could do everything by switching
around. Each section of the piece uses only a few items.
The full percussion list:
snare drum
crash cymbal
suspended cymbal
sizzle cymbal
triangle
tambourine
tam-tam
chimes (Bb, B, C, C#, D, D#, E, F, G, A -- I think I can rework the low Bb and B if need be)
glockenspiel
typewriter (or rim shot, bell and guiro)