Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov · section 58 of 100

Tutti in the wind

In many cases the wood-wind and brass groups can form a tutti by themselves for periods of varying length. Sometimes this is effected by the wood-wind alone, but more frequently with the support of horns. At other times the horns are found alone without the wood-wind, and, lastly, a tutti may be comprised of instruments of each group in varying numbers. The addition of kettle-drums and the rest of the percussion is quite common and constitutes what the Germans call "Janitscharenmusik", or Turkish infantry music. Violoncellos and double basses playing more or less important pizz. notes are often added to wood-wind instruments (tutti), likewise the remainder of the strings and the harps; this process renders the sustained notes in the wood-wind more distinct. Tutti passages in wood-wind and horns do not produce any great amount of power in forte passages, but, on the other hand tutti in the brass groups alone may attain an extraordinary volume of tone. In the following examples the formation of pedal notes by strings or wood-wind in no way alters the general character of the Tutti:

Examples:

No. 210-211. Snegourotchka 149, 151 (compare).

Tsar Saltan 14, 17, 26 (cf. Ex. 182-184).

Pan Voyevoda 57, 186, 262.

No. 212. Ivan the Terrible, Act II 19; cf. also Act. III 5.

* No. 213-214. Legend of Kitesh 294, 312 (compare).

* No. 215. The Golden Cockerel 116; cf. also 82 and 84.

* Antar 37 (cf. Ex. 65).