OperaLite is a resource created by Casa Ricordi that aims at expanding access to great operas. It is based on a traditional concept, i.e.: providing complete scores of the world’s best-loved operas transcribed for smaller ensembles. It is an approach that meets the growing demand for streamlined, low-cost productions.  

The adaptations are the result of an intense effort focused on recreating the “sound” of each opera in compliance with its aesthetic background, and through a meticulous reinterpretation of each work’s musical and dramaturgical content that preserves the original libretto and vocal parts. The outcome is a recasting of each original work in which orchestral economy (scores designed for orchestras ranging anywhere from 16 to 21 players, depending on the opera) becomes a plus point, thanks to the technical skills and sensitivity of the composers who worked to bring this project to life. 

OperaLite offers high artistic quality for low-cost productions and score/book rentals, at affordable prices that can make the world’s greatest operas accessible to musical institutions across the spectrum. 

The OperaLite catalogue continues to expand. Its current list includes operas by Bellini, Bizet, Donizetti, Mozart, Puccini, Rossini, and Verdi.
All of OperaLite scores are available in complete or abridged editions. 


Norma by Vincenzo Bellini. Reduced orchestration by Gerardo Colella
(NR 139778)

Carmen by George Bizet. Reduced orchestration by Gerardo Colella
(NR 139836)

Don Pasquale by Gaetano Donizetti. Reduced orchestration by Enrico Minaglia
(NR 141600)

L’elisir d’amore by Gaetano Donizetti. Reduced orchestration by Giovanni Verrando 
(NR 139775)

Così fan tutte by W.A. Mozart. Reduced orchestration by Caterina Calderoni
(NR 140244)

La Bohème by Giacomo Puccini. Reduced orchestration by Gerardo Colella 
(NR 139887)

Gianni Schicchi by Giacomo Puccini. Reduced orchestration by Matthias Weigmann 
(NR 141695)

Madama Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini. Reduced orchestration by Carlo Boccadoro 
(NR 140272)

Tosca by Giacomo Puccini. Reduced orchestration by Caterina Calderoni 
(NR 139942)

Turandot by Giacomo Puccini. Reduced orchestration by Enrico Minaglia 
(NR 141542)

Il barbiere di Siviglia by Gioachino Rossini. Reduced orchestration by Gerardo Colella 
(NR 141407)

Aida by Giuseppe Verdi. Reduced orchestration by Alberto Colla 
(NR 139452)

Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi. Reduced orchestration by Alberto Colla 
(NR 139528) 

La traviata by Giuseppe Verdi. Reduced orchestration by Marco Uvietta 
(NR 139482)

Il trovatore by Giuseppe Verdi. Reduced orchestration by Enrico Minaglia
(NR 142487)

Falstaff by Giuseppe Verdi. Reduced orchestration by Stefano Rabaglia
(NR 142268)

Macbeth by Giuseppe Verdi. Reduced orchestration by Stefano Rabaglia
(NR 142277)

Peruse the scores

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