Even over the course of more than 1,000 productions, our reductions have been rarely given mention in reviews. We think that’s good. A reduced orchestration shouldn’t call attention to itself—the most faithful reduction will not be noticed at all!
But here are a few reviews, and a couple of testimonials from our clients.
“The small orchestra under the direction of Maestro Maazel performed flawlessly and musically in support of the singers. The sound was that of a full-scale orchestra. This is a performance that could hold its own proudly on any stage of the world.”
—William Haseltine, The Atlantic (Il Trittico)
“The music was all there, in all its glory…a band of two dozen players providing a big-orchestra sound, in Bryan Higgins’s brilliant reduction.”
—Janos Gereben, San Francisco Classical Voice (Falstaff)
“The big moments in Puccini’s score came across with plenty of impact.”
—Georgina Rowe, Contra Costa Times (La Fanciulla del West)
“The 24-piece orchestra played with great sensitivity. The delicate moments were rendered more so, and the dramatic passages sounded as full and intense as one could hope for. Indeed, for an ensemble a fraction of the size usually used, the depth and richness were quite remarkable.”
—Kathryn Miller, San Francisco Classical Voice (Tosca)
“I’m always happy when I can use one of your arrangements—they are so well done and the parts are so clear that I know I won’t have to waste rehearsal time dealing with errata.”
—Maria Sensi Sellner
“Having used all of the opera reductions available, I will now look first to Motet Music for upcoming productions. The reduction of Gianni Schicchi was seamless; the integrated parts worked perfectly. I will just hope that Motet has all the operas I will be doing available.”
—Doris Lang Kosloff