Die Walkuere: Act III, Sc. 1: Ride of the Valkyries (Ritt der Walkuren) Cover Image

Die Walkuere: Act III, Sc. 1: Ride of the Valkyries (Ritt der Walkuren): Full Orchestra, Conductor Score & Parts

$175.00 USD

Die Walkuere: Act III, Sc. 1: Ride of the Valkyries (Ritt der Walkuren): Full Orchestra, Conductor Score & Parts

Name: Die Walkuere: Act III, Sc. 1: Ride of the Valkyries (Ritt der Walkuren): Full Orchestra, Conductor Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 36-A225002
Price: 175.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Richard Wagner

Item: 36-A225002

$175.00

Shipped

One moment…

The Ride of the Valkyries refers to the beginning of act 3 of Die Walküre, the second of the four operas constituting Richard Wagner's (1813-1883) Der Ring des Nibelungen. As a separate piece, the "Ride" is often heard in a purely instrumental version, such as in this original orchestration from the opera. Together with the Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin, the Ride of the Valkyries is one of Wagner's best-known pieces. The main theme of the Ride, the leitmotif labelled Walkürenritt, was first written down by the composer on 23 July 1851. The preliminary draft for the "Ride" was composed in 1854 as part of the composition of the entire opera, which was fully orchestrated by the end of March 1856. Instrumentation: 2+Picc(2).3+EH.3+BCl.3: 8.3.4.1: Timp(2).Perc(3): Str (9-8-7-6-5 in set).

Die Walkuere: Act III, Sc. 1: Ride of the Valkyries (Ritt der Walkuren): Full Orchestra, Conductor Score & Parts isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.

Request This Title

Tell us you want it.

Start Your Free Trial

Explore everything that's ready to play right now.

No sample pages found.

No sample audio found.

No sample videos found.

Series: Kalmus Orchestra Library

Publisher: Keiser Productions, Inc.

UPC: 659359878732

SKU: 36-A225002

Instrumentation: 2+Picc(2).3+EH.3+BCl.3: 8.3.4.1: Timp(2).Perc(3): Str (9-8-7-6-5 in set)

More about this title

About the Composer: Richard Wagner

Richard Wagner (1813-1883) fundamentally reshaped opera and orchestration in the 19th century. His concept of the leitmotif—a musical phrase representing a character, object, or idea—became the structural backbone of Der Ring des Nibelungen, a four-opera cycle based on Germanic mythology that occupied him for more than two decades.

Wagner's orchestrations are demonstrations of instrumental color and dramatic power. He expanded the orchestra's size and capability, treating it not as accompaniment but as a primary storytelling voice. The Ride of the Valkyries exemplifies this approach: a driving, unmistakable theme that builds its power through orchestral layering and rhythmic propulsion rather than harmonic complexity alone.

Show moreShow less

Why we love this

This is the piece that makes orchestral musicians want to play Wagner. The Ride combines visceral excitement with accessible musicianship across the ensemble; every section has something thrilling to execute. Conductors prize it for its clarity of form and the immediate feedback they receive from the orchestra when the tempo, dynamics, and energy align exactly right.

What to expect

Propulsive and mythic. The piece charges forward with relentless momentum, built on a jagged, memorable melody that feels both ancient and operatic. The orchestration swells and recedes like waves, with tremolo strings and pulsing brass creating a sense of galloping urgency undercut by moments of strategic clarity.

Who it's for

Orchestra conductors and full orchestras ready for a standard repertoire showpiece that demands ensemble precision and theatrical energy. This work suits orchestras with sufficient brass and woodwind depth to handle the doubling and exposed parts, as well as orchestra programs looking for a crowd-pleasing piece that also offers real musical substance.

How to get the most out of it

Establish a rock-solid pulse before rehearsal begins. This piece demands rhythmic unanimity across all sections; even a conductor who can maintain steady time in the preparation will find the brass and strings lock together more readily.
Balance the brass and woodwind statements of the main theme carefully. The leitmotif passes between sections, and clarity of line depends on each choir supporting rather than obscuring the current voice.
Shape the crescendos through gradual dynamic and textural addition rather than sudden volume jumps. Wagner writes the orchestration to build; let the added instruments create the swell.
Secure the string tremolo passages with full sectional agreement on bowhold and bow speed. Uniformity here provides the rhythmic and sonic foundation the brass needs to sit confidently on top.

How to use it

Open a pops concert or family concert with this piece to establish immediate energy and give the audience something instantly recognizable. It also pairs well on a classical program with other German Romantic repertoire, offering a dramatic contrast to slower works and serving as a natural anchor for a Wagner-focused evening.