Porgy and Bess (small cast concert version)
Classification added May 12, 2026Premiered 30 September 1935
Colonial Theater, Boston, MA
Composer:
George Gershwin
Original Language:
English
Librettist:
Ira Gershwin
Description:
Concert Opera in 2 Acts
Notes:
Small cast Concert arrangement by Russel Garcia
Privately published
piano/vocal score in manuscript and
full conductor typeset score
Time Period:
1920s
Place:
Charleston, SC
Classification key
- L – Leading
- F – Featured
- S – Supporting
- B – Solo Bit
- CB – Chorus Bit
- MB – Mute Bit
| Role | Voice Part | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Bess | Soprano | L |
| Clara / Serena* | Soprano | L |
| Narrator / Sportin’ Life* | Tenor | L |
| Porgy | Baritone | L |
| Jake / Crown* | Baritone | L |
| Honeyman | Tenor | B |
| Female Voice | Spoken | CB {Musical number 10} |
| Male Voice | Spoken | CB {Musical number 10} |
| Soprano Solo | Soprano | CB {Musical number 17} |
| Tenor Solo | Tenor | CB {Musical number 17} |
| Soprano Solo | Soprano | CB {Musical number 23} |
| Alto Solo | Alto | CB {Musical number 23} |
| Tenor Solo | Tenor | CB {Musical number 23} |
| *Combined Roles |
Minimum Chorus: 24
Divisi: SATB