Esmeralda, La: Pas de Quatre Cover Image

Esmeralda, La: Pas de Quatre: Full Orchestra, Conductor Score

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Esmeralda, La: Pas de Quatre Cover Image

Esmeralda, La: Pas de Quatre: Full Orchestra, Conductor Score

By Cesare Pugni, ed./arr. by William McDermott

Item: 36-A889501

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Description
Inspired by the ever-popular 1831 novel Notre-Dame de Paris (The Hunchback of Notre-Dame) by Victor Hugo, LA ESMERALDA is a three-act ballet that follows the story of Esmeralda, the beautiful Romani woman from the story. With choreography by Jules Perrot and music from Cesare Pugni (1802-1870), the ballet was first performed in March of 1844 by the Ballet of her Majesty's Theatre. The ballet is commonly performed in its entirety to this day in Russia and Eastern Europe. A brisk, sturdy PAS DE QUATRE is danced by Esmeralda's friends in this excerpt from the ballet, orchestrated by William McDermott. Instrumentation: 2(2nd opt).1.2.2(2nd opt): 4(3&4 opt).2.0.0: Timp.Perc(2): Hp: Str (4.4.3.3.3 in set).

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Additional Details
Series: Kalmus Ballet Library
Publisher: Keiser Productions, Inc.
ISBN10: 8-89-563151-X
ISBN13: 979-8-89-563151-5
UPC: 659859000251
SKU: 36-A889501
Instrumentation: 2(2nd opt).1.2.2(2nd opt): 4(3&4 opt).2.0.0: Timp.Perc(2): Hp: Str (4.4.3.3.3 in set)

More about this title

About the Composer: Cesare Pugni

Cesare Pugni (1802-1870) was an Italian composer whose prolific output shaped the ballet repertoire of the 19th century. He spent much of his career in Russia and Western Europe, creating scores for the great choreographers of his era, including Jules Perrot. His gift for writing clear, danceable melodies and spirited orchestration made his ballets staples of the imperial theaters.

Pugni's music combines Italian lyricism with the structural demands of classical ballet, creating scores that support both narrative storytelling and pure dance spectacle. His work remains central to the ballet canon, particularly in Russia and Eastern Europe where his ballets have been continuously performed since their premieres.

Why we love this

This Pas de Quatre sits at the sweet spot between brisk ensemble writing and genuine character. The orchestra has real work to do without becoming unwieldy, and the straightforward harmonic language lets your ensemble lock into the rhythm section while the winds and strings support the dancers' energy. It's the kind of excerpt that rehearses quickly but performs with polish.

What to expect

Spirited and playful, with the character of a well-dressed social dance. The orchestra captures the brisk momentum and lightness of four dancers executing rapid combinations, supported by warmth in the strings and a steady harmonic foundation. It's French-Italian ballet at its most direct: elegant without being precious, energetic without being frantic.

Who it's for

Conductors building a ballet or story-driven concert program who want a well-crafted, performable excerpt at intermediate difficulty. This score works for community orchestras, youth ensembles, and advanced high school orchestras comfortable with modest doubling and clear harmonic writing.

How to get the most out of it

  • Establish a rock-solid tempo with the timpani and bass section; the brisk character depends on collective confidence in the pulse.
  • Balance the lower winds carefully so the clarinet and bassoon counterlines don't cloud the main melodic ideas in the violins.
  • Use the optional parts judiciously; the core orchestration works beautifully, and doubling can thicken texture when needed for larger halls.
  • Keep the harp accompaniment light and rhythmic rather than lush; it should support the dance, not dominate.

How to use it

Pair this with other ballet excerpts or narrative music for a concert themed around 19th-century storytelling. It also works as a charming standalone interlude or as part of a suite celebrating Hugo-inspired music. The moderate length makes it ideal for filling a concert slot without requiring an entire three-act performance.

Skills your students will build

  • Conducting ensemble coordination across multiple instrumental sections
  • Balancing harp, woodwind, and string textures in salon-style orchestration
  • Maintaining rhythmic precision in brisk 2/4 or cut-time character pieces
  • Reading and executing optional orchestral doublings
  • Supporting dance through rhythmic clarity and architectural phrasing

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