Probespiele

Playing historical instruments (La Scintilla) has a long tradition at Zurich Opera House.
An open and proactive approach to this performance practice by newly engaged colleagues is welcomed.

Travelling expenses for auditions:
Participants who reach the second round of the main audition will have their travel expenses reimbursed up to a maximum of CHF 500 (2nd class return train journey).
Please bring a receipt or ticket, preferably in paper form!

All pieces must be performed on a tuned double bass in orchestral tuning.
Round 1: Compulsory piece + orchestral parts
K. D. von Dittersdorf: Concerto in D major; 1st movement with cadenza (H. K. Gruber) + 2nd movement without cadenza
or
J. B. Vanhal: Concerto in D major with cadenza; 1st movement with cadenza (H. K. Gruber); 2nd movement without cadenza
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Round 2: optional piece + orchestral parts
S. Koussevitzky: Concerto for double bass and orchestra in F sharp minor, 1st and 2nd movement
or
G. Bottesini: Concerto for double bass and orchestra in B minor, 1st and 2nd movement
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Round 3: Orchestral pieces + chamber music
F. Schubert: ‘Trout Quintet’, Variations
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Tutti orchestral parts
R. Strauss: Don Juan, op. 20, ‘Allegro molto con brio’
R. Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier, op. 59, 2nd act, lines 154-174
R. Strauss: A Hero's Life, op. 40, ‘Vividly moved’
R. Wagner: Die Walküre 1st act, Prelude
B. Smetana: The Bartered Bride, Overture
W. A. Mozart: Overture to ‘The Magic Flute’, KV 620
L. v. Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 in C minor, op. 67, 2nd movement and 3rd movement
J. S. Bach: Violin Concerto in E major, BWV 1042, 2nd movement Adagio to bar 57
W. A. Mozart: Symphony No. 40 in G minor, KV 550, 1st movement
Solo orchestral parts
I. Stravinsky: Pulcinella, 7th movement, solo
G. Verdi: Otello, 4th act, letter U-X, solo
F. Mahler: Symphony No. 1 in D major, 3rd movement, solo
G. Verdi: Rigoletto, Act 1, No. 3 ‘Duetto’, solo
J. Haydn: Symphony No. 31 in D major, Variation No. 7, solo