Faure Ballade op. 19 for piano and orchestra - chamber??

[shortfingers]

Hi fellow pianists,
   I am about to learn Faure's Ballade for piano and orchestra op. 19 for an upcoming concerto competition. I would also like to be able to perform this piece on my end-of-the-year recital, too, but preferably with some string players instead of another pianist playing the reduced orchestra score. I am curious if I would be able to find a chamber music version of the score (and where...), or if not, how would I go about trying to make it work for a chamber group instead of an orchestra/reduced piano score?
   Thanks in advance!
   -shortfingers

[j_menz]

Why not do the original solo piano version?

[shortfingers]

Hi j_menz,
   Because I want to participate in an upcoming concerto competition. Apparently the piano solo version of Op. 19 and the piano part for playing with an orchestra are very different to learn. Also, I would really enjoy having some strings on my recital program.

[j_menz]

Then it appears you are going to have to do your own arrangement.  Can't see any reference to an existing one, though you may be lucky to find someone happy to prove me wrong.

I've never attempted one myself, but suspect it's not as easy as it might first look. Have you ever done anything like that?

[shortfingers]

No, I've never attempted to reduce an orchestral score for a chamber ensemble! I would agree that it must be quite time-consuming ... I would love some tips, or better yet find a chamber ensemble score! 

[j_menz]

I've had a look at the orchestral score, and a reduction for piano and string quartet looks pretty achievable.

Viols 1 -> V1
Viols 2 -> V2
Violas  -> Viola
Cellos -> Cello, or Viola where the Basses aren't doubling the Cellos Ithe cellos then seem to be doubling the violas anyway)
Basses -> Omit where they are doubling the Cellos, otherwise -> Cello
Flutes -> V1
Oboes -> V1/2 as most practicable
Clarinets -> Viola
Bassoons -> Cello
Horns -> Probably v1 or V2

You'll lose some texture, and may have to omit some notes, but it should be quite manageable. The orchestration is not especially heavily textured for most of it, and it's a small orchestra anyway.

EDIT: Oh, and mind the alto clef for the Violas (middle C is the middle line of the stave), and mind the key signature on the Bb Clarinet part.

[shortfingers]

Wow, that is so nice of you to take the time to look at that - thank you! I will refer back to your suggestions when I get a chance to look at the orchestra score.  It's good to know it will be manageable to arrange. I will go learn this piece with confidence now ... 

[chopin2015]

if you can find a midi file of the entire orchestra, with each instrument to its own track, you could combine the sections to make 1 track for each chamber instrument, and then edit the track to suit one instrument part.

Also, you could always transpose parts to suit range of specific instruments, so that each instrument would be playing more than one part of the ballade. You know? Just make sure it doesn't sound too silly.

good luck