Anvil Chorus, from Il Trovatore (violin duo)

Title: Anvil Chorus, from the opera Il Trovatore

Composer: Giuseppe Verdi, arr. David Gable

Instrumentation: Two Violins

Printout: 4 pages

Note: Also known as the “Gypsy Chorus”, this selection from Il Trovatore is known for its use of idiosyncratic percussion (hammers and anvils – or reasonable substitutes). The basses strike on the beats and the tenors on the off-beats, accompanied by heavy chords in the orchestra. It is a joyous chorus; Verdi makes pounding molten metal in sweltering heat sound like a fun weekend afternoon. Arranged for two violins, the Anvil Chorus is highly effective as a duet and could even be used as an chamber music concert encore.

A duet version of the Anvil Chorus arranged for violin and viola is also available. Click here.

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More Verdi for two violins:

Grand March, from Aida
La donna è mobile, from Rigoletto
Soldier’s Chorus (Part I – “Or co’ dadi), from Il Trovatore
Un di felice, eterea, from La Traviata
Valse, from La Traviata
Va Pensiero, from Nabucco