The Quest

Suite from the Ballet

arranged by Vilem Tausky

General Information – Instrumentation – Publication – Recordings

General Information:

I.   Introduction (Storm) — The Magician and the Transformation
II.   Siciliana (The Spell)
III.   The Challenge
     IV.   The Reunion (Passacagla)

Arrangement:  Arranged by Vilem Tausky, 1961, with the composer's authorization, from the score to the ballet The Quest (1943).

First Performance:  Saturday, 3 June 1961. Royal Festival Hall, London. BBC Concert Orchestra, Vilem Tausky conductor.

Duration:  About 14 minutes

C. Number:  C49a

Instrumentation:

2 flutes (second doubling piccolo), 2 oboes (second doubling cor anglais), 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons – 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones – timpani, 1 or 2 percussion – harp – celesta (doubling keyed glockenspiel) – strings

Publication:

Oxford University Press, 1962. Score and parts are available on hire. Materials available for purchase:

The Quest Suite 1962 Study score ISBN 019 3683555                

Recordings:

Orchestra Conductor Year Compact Disc Timing
London Symphony Orchestra Sir William Walton 1970 Lyrita SRCD.224 13'44"

WilliamWalton.net – Catalogue of Works – Orchestral Music – Ballet : The Quest