Mozart - Overture to The Marriage of Figaro, arr. M. Randall McDonald
Mozart - Overture to The Marriage of Figaro, arr. M. Randall McDonald
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Mozart's Most Brilliant Overture — Arranged for Concert Band by M. Randall McDonald
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791) composed the overture to Le nozze di Figaro (“The Marriage of Figaro”), K. 492, in 1786. It is one of the most exhilarating and perfectly crafted overtures in all of opera — a breathless, sparkling Presto that sets the tone for the comic chaos and brilliant wit of the opera to follow. From its famous hushed opening to its explosive conclusion, the overture is a tour de force of orchestral writing that has delighted audiences for nearly two and a half centuries. The Marriage of Figaro itself, based on Beaumarchais's controversial play, is widely regarded as one of the greatest operas ever written.
This edition presents the overture in an arrangement by M. Randall McDonald, adapted for concert band by a specialist in bringing overlooked and underperformed orchestral works to new performing forces. A guaranteed showstopper for any concert program.
Performance Highlights
- One of the most exhilarating overtures in all of opera — arranged for concert band by M. Randall McDonald
- A breathless, sparkling Presto of brilliant wit and energy
- From Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro — one of the greatest operas ever written
- Ideal for classical programming, opera-themed concerts, and major concert events
- Digital PDF download — print-ready score and parts included
About the Arranger
M. Randall McDonald, EdD, studied music theory with Dr. Paul Reale at UCLA and arranging with John Prince and Marvin Branson at Cal State Long Beach. He has worked in public education for twenty-five years as a band and choir director, science teacher, and math teacher, and has lived in Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Germany. He currently resides in Midland, Texas, where he leads the Midland Community Band. As an arranger, Dr. McDonald specializes in bringing overlooked orchestral compositions into the concert band repertoire. He is married to the soprano and author Mary Lou Brice.