Die Schatten Werden Laenger - Elisabeth

Die Schatten werden länger (Reprise) – Full Score

📌 Piece Information

Title: Die Schatten werden länger (Reprise)
Source: Musical Elisabeth
Composer: Sylvester Levay
Lyricist: Michael Kunze
Score Pages: 17

🎼 Instrumentation

This score is transcribed from the original orchestration of the musical Elisabeth. Instrumentation is as follows:

Woodwinds

• Alto Flute (A. Fl.)

• English Horn (E. Hn.)

• B♭ Clarinet (Cl. in B♭)

Brass

• Horn in F (D Hn. in F) × 2

• B♭ Trumpet (Tpt. in B♭)

• Trombone (Tbn.)

Rhythm / Electric Section

• Drum Kit (D. Kit)

• Electric Guitar (El. Guit.)

• Electric Bass (El. B.)

Keyboard

• Piano (Pno.)

Other Instruments

• Glockenspiel (Jngu.)

• Solo Cello (Vc.)

• Solo Violin (Vln.)

Vocal Parts

• Solo Voices (Vo.) × 2

• Soprano (S.)

• Mezzo-soprano (Mzs.)

• Alto (A.)

• Tenor (T.)

• Baritone (Bar.)

• Bass (B.)

Strings

• Violins I (Vlns. 1)

• Violins II (Vlns. 2)

• Violas (Vlas.)

• Cellos (Vcs.)

🎤 About the Song

Die Schatten werden länger is a classic piece from the German musical Elisabeth. The Reprise version is an important number in Act II, in which Death (Tod) sings to Crown Prince Rudolf.

In this song, Death attempts to lead Rudolf towards death with a highly seductive vocal line. The theme is dark and full of tension, vividly portraying the inner struggle and despair of the character. The lyrics include iconic lines such as "Die Schatten werden länger, Es wird Abend, eh' dein Tag begann" ("The shadows are growing longer, evening falls before your day has begun"). This is one of the most representative melodies of the entire musical.

This number is closely tied to the fate of Crown Prince Rudolf in Act II and serves as a key turning point driving the tragedy towards its climax.

📁 File Format

• PDF format, Conductor’s Score (Full Orchestral Score)

• All parts presented in one full score – suitable for rehearsal, performance, or study

⚠️ Important Notice

This score is a personal transcription, not an official published edition. There may be minor errors in notes, rhythms, or markings – please bear with any "bugs."

This score is arranged based on the original orchestration of the musical Elisabeth, featuring a hybrid ensemble of electric band and orchestra. It is suitable for musical theatre orchestras, school theatre groups, and community theatre companies for rehearsal and performance.

If you find any mistakes, feedback is warmly welcome, and I will continue to revise and improve it.

💡 Target Audience

• Conductors and musicians in musical theatre orchestras

• Musical theatre enthusiasts for study and collection

• Conducting students for score analysis

• Creators who wish to arrange or adapt the piece for other ensembles