Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov · section 52 of 100

1. In unison (juxtaposition or contrast of tone qualities)

This class of combination possesses the same features as combinations in the melodic line (cf. Chap. II). Wood-wind reinforces the brass, softens it and reduces its characteristic qualities. Arrangements such as the following are possible:

2 Trumpets + 2 Fl.; 3 Trumpets + 3 Fl.; | 2 Trumpets + 2 Ob.; 3 Trumpets + 3 Ob.; | 2 Trumpets + 2 Cl. 3 Trumpets + 3 Cl.

Also

as well as:

2 Horns + 2 Fag.; 3 Horns + 3 Fag.; | 2 Horns + 2 Cl.; 3 Horns + 3 Cl.; and:

2 Horns + 2 Fag. + 2 Cl. etc.

The combinations 3 Trombones + 3 Fag., or 3 Trombones + 3 Cl. are very rare.

A chord scored for full brass doubled by the same chords scored for full wood-wind (in pairs) produces a magnificent and uniform tone.

Examples:

Snegourotchka 315—2 Horns + 2 Cl. and 2 Horns + 2 Ob. (cf. Ex. 236).

No. 141. The Tsar's Bride 50—4 Horns + 2 Cl., 2 Fag.

No. 142."""142—Juxtaposition of full wind and brass.

Ivan the Terrible, Act II 30—Juxtaposition and enclosure (cf. Table of chords II, Ex. 8).

No. 143. The Christmas Night 165—4 Horns + Fl., Cl., Fag.

* No. 144. Sadko, before 79—Horn, Trumpet + doubled wood-wind.[15]

No. 145."242—Full brass + Fl., Cl.

Legend of Kitesh, beginning—Horn, Trombones + Cl., Fag. (cf. also 5—Ex. 249).

* No. 146. Legend of Kitesh 10—Eng. horn, 2 Cl., Fag. legato + 4 Horns non legato.

"""324—Full brass + wind.

* No. 147. The Golden Cockerel 233—

Trumpets + Ob. Horn + Cl. | ] | 8.

Stopped or muted notes in trumpets and horns resemble the oboe and Eng. horn in quality; the combination of these instruments produces a magnificent tone.

Examples:

No. 148. Russian Easter Fête, p. 11.—Horn (+), Trumpets (low register) + Ob., Cl.

* The Christmas Night, before 154—Full muted brass + wind.

* No. 149. Tsar Saltan 129—2 Ob., Eng. horn, + 3 Trumpets muted (3 Cl. at the bottom).

* No. 150.""131 17th bar.—Same combination with added horns.

* No. 151. Antar 7—Ob., Eng. horn, 2 Fag. + 4 Horns (+).

A beautiful dark tone is derived from the combination of middle notes in stopped horns and deep notes in the clarinet:

If bassoons are substituted for clarinets the effect loses part of its character.

Examples:

* Kashtcheï the Immortal 29, 11th bar,—2 Ob., 2 Cl. + 4 Horns (+).

"""107, 6th bar.—2 Cl., Fag. + 3 Horns (+).

* The Christmas Night, p. 249—Cl., Fag. + 3 Horns (+).

* Mlada, Act III 19—3 Horns (+) + 3 Fag. and 3 Horns (+) + 3 Ob. (cf. Ex. 259).