Viva la Vida — Orchestra & Choir Sheet Music
The definitive orchestral arrangement of Coldplay’s anthem — recorded at Abbey Road Studios, arranged by Paul Lorenz
Edition facts
Viva la Vida by Chris Martin, arranged by Paul Lorenz for choir and orchestra: full score (19 pages) and separate parts (31 pages), delivered as a PDF (A4) for instant download, €59.90.
- Instrumentation
- Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon · Horn, Trumpet, Trombone (2) · Timpani, Drum kit · Piano · Solo violin, Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Cello, Double bass
- Pages
- 50 pages — full score (19) + separate parts (31)
- Tempo
- ♩ = 138
- Format
- PDF, A4, instant download
Read from the PDF you download.
“I used to rule the world...” — When those sweeping strings launch into Coldplay’s most iconic anthem, something extraordinary happens in a concert hall. The audience doesn’t just listen—they feel it in their chest. This is the orchestral arrangement that was recorded at Abbey Road Studios, and it delivers every ounce of that anthemic power. Made famous in the classical-crossover world by David Garrett, Viva la Vida was born to be an orchestral work—and this score proves it.
If you’ve searched for a Viva la Vida orchestra and choir arrangement that rises above generic pop transcriptions, your search ends here. This is not a simplified reduction or a thin approximation. It is the real thing: a studio-tested, full-scale orchestration with SATB choir and English lyrics, designed for professional ensembles who refuse to compromise on sonic authenticity.
Read the story behind this arrangement →
Hear the arrangement
A 30-second excerpt from Paul Lorenz’ own studio recording of this arrangement.
Listen to the full recording Artyfile Stream · lossless Hi-FiChoose your “Viva la Vida” edition
Full Orchestra & Choir
€59.90Choir and orchestra · 50 pages: score + parts · PDF (A4)
Every part also for other instruments – included ↓
The complete performance package—the same arrangement recorded at Abbey Road. Full transposed conductor’s score plus every individual part, ready for the stand.
- Instant PDF download
- Secure checkout
- Licensed edition
String Quartet
from €29.90
“Viva la Vida” is also published in this scoring — with its own score preview and full details on the edition page.
View this edition →Parts for your instrumentation
Every instrumental part of this edition is also available for other instruments – included in the price. Transposed, in the right clef, checked for range and breathing.
| Original part | Also available for |
|---|---|
| Flute | Oboe, Clarinet in B♭, Soprano saxophone in B♭, Violin, Alto saxophone in E♭, English horn in F, Viola |
| Oboe | Flute, Clarinet in B♭, Soprano saxophone in B♭, Trumpet in B♭, Violin, Alto saxophone in E♭, Horn in F, English horn in F, Flugelhorn in B♭, Viola |
| Clarinet in B♭ | Flute 1+2, Oboe 1+2, Soprano saxophone 1+2 in B♭, Trumpet 1+2 in B♭, Violin, Alto saxophone 1+2 in E♭, English horn 1+2 in F, Viola |
| Bassoon | Alto saxophone in E♭, Horn in F, English horn in F, Flugelhorn in B♭, Viola, Tenor saxophone in B♭, Trombone, Euphonium, Bass clarinet in B♭, Cello, Double bass |
| Horn in F | Flute, Oboe, Clarinet in B♭, Soprano saxophone in B♭, Violin, Alto saxophone in E♭, English horn in F, Viola, Tenor saxophone in B♭, Bassoon, Bass clarinet in B♭, Cello |
| Trumpet in B♭ | Flute 1+2, Oboe 1+2, Clarinet 1+2 in B♭, Soprano saxophone 1+2 in B♭, Violin, Alto saxophone 1+2 in E♭, Horn 1+2 in F, English horn 1+2 in F, Viola |
| Trombone I | Alto saxophone in E♭, Horn in F, English horn in F, Flugelhorn in B♭, Viola, Tenor saxophone in B♭, Euphonium, Bassoon, Bass clarinet in B♭, Cello, Double bass |
| Trombone II | Alto saxophone in E♭, Horn in F, English horn in F, Flugelhorn in B♭, Viola, Tenor saxophone in B♭, Euphonium, Bassoon, Bass clarinet in B♭, Cello, Double bass |
| Violin I | Viola |
| Violin II | Viola |
| Viola | Flute, Oboe, Clarinet in B♭, Soprano saxophone in B♭, Trumpet in B♭, Violin, Alto saxophone in E♭, Horn in F, English horn in F, Flugelhorn in B♭, Tenor saxophone in B♭, Bassoon, Bass clarinet in B♭, Cello |
| Cello | Bassoon, Double bass |
“1+2”: a part divided for two players. Where the original part has double stops or chords, two wind players share the notes – marked “div.” and “a 2”.
Buy. After your purchase you receive your personal link to the Part Configurator by e-mail.
Choose part and instrument. For example the Flute part as Alto saxophone in E♭.
Download the PDF. The first time a part is requested it takes about a minute to set; after that it is ready at once – with your name as the license notice.
How the Part Configurator works →Need a different instrumentation? After your purchase you can send Paul Lorenz a request.
Quality in detail
- Abbey Road Pedigree: This is THE arrangement recorded at Abbey Road Studios—not a generic transcription, but a studio-proven orchestration.
- MOLA-Compliant Engraving: 8.5mm staff size and 600 DPI resolution for crystal-clear reading at any distance, with rehearsal letters at every major landmark.
- Intelligent Page Turns: Optimized page layouts with generous margins (0.8″) for annotations and real-world conducting.
- Instant PDF Delivery: Download begins immediately after purchase—no shipping delays, no rental agreements, no waiting.
- Singable SATB Choir Parts: English lyrics with idiomatic text underlay, balanced between accessibility for semi-professional choirs and genuine musical interest.
- Bespoke Customization Available: Need an extra horn part or a different percussion setup? Contact us for tailored instrumentation adjustments.
Viva la Vida orchestra & choir sheet music at a glance
| Song | Viva la Vida — Coldplay (Chris Martin et al.), 2008 |
| Arrangement | Full orchestra with SATB choir (English lyrics) |
| Arranger | Paul Lorenz — this is the arrangement recorded at Abbey Road |
| Scoring | Strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion + SATB choir |
| Difficulty | Professional & strong community orchestras; experienced SATB choir |
| Format | Transposed conductor’s score + all parts — 600 DPI PDF, print- and tablet-ready |
| Licensing | Print license included; performance via your PRO (ASCAP/BMI/PRS/GEMA) |
| Reference recording | Paul Lorenz’ own studio recording — sound sample on this page, complete on Artyfile Stream |
| Price | €59.90 |
Is this edition right for your ensemble?
This is the studio-proven Viva la Vida — the actual orchestration recorded at Abbey Road, not a generic pop transcription. Reach for it when you are programming:
- a symphonic pops or season finale that needs an anthem
- a classical-crossover set (in the David Garrett vein)
- a professional or strong community orchestra with an experienced choir
- a programme that wants the audience to feel it “in the chest”
The SATB parts carry the English lyrics with idiomatic underlay — sophisticated but singable. If you have chamber forces, a string-quartet edition of Viva la Vida is also published — see the related arrangements below, or ask which fits your ensemble.
What you receive
- The full transposed conductor’s score
- All individual orchestral parts — strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion
- The SATB choral score with English lyrics
- High-resolution PDFs, delivered instantly — no rental agreement, no shipping
Programming Viva la Vida
Its built-in arc — that unmistakable string ostinato, the choir entering on the anthem — makes it an ideal opener or finale. Let the strings establish the pulse, bring the choir in for lift, and save the full tutti for the last chorus. Explore the related arrangements below to build the set, or contact Paul Lorenz Music for a bespoke instrumentation.
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Viva la Vida sheet music — frequently asked questions
Can I hear this arrangement before I buy?
Yes. The sound sample near the top of this page plays a 30-second excerpt of Paul Lorenz’ own studio recording of this arrangement, and the complete recording streams on Artyfile Stream — his lossless hi-fi service, where full playback requires a subscription.
What exactly is included in the download?
You receive a complete, performance-ready package: the full transposed conductor’s score, all individual orchestral parts (strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion), and the SATB choral score with English lyrics. Everything is delivered as high-resolution PDF files optimized for both screen reading and professional printing.
What is the difficulty level of this arrangement?
This arrangement is designed for professional and advanced ensembles. The orchestral parts are suitable for symphony orchestras and strong community ensembles. The SATB choir parts are accessible to experienced choirs with solid sight-reading abilities—the vocal writing balances musical sophistication with practical singability.
Do I need a performance license?
Viva la Vida is a copyrighted song by Coldplay. Your purchase includes the licence for performances by the purchasing ensemble (your orchestra and choir) at concerts and events, including printing parts for your own ensemble. As usual, the public performance itself is reported to the responsible performing-rights society — GEMA in Germany, AKM in Austria, SUISA in Switzerland (ASCAP/BMI/PRS elsewhere) — by the organiser or ensemble. For commercial recordings or broadcast use, please contact us directly.
Can the arrangement be customized for my ensemble?
Absolutely. Paul Lorenz Music offers bespoke customization services—a capability unique in the industry. Whether you need alternative instrumentation, transpositions for specific players, or adjustments to accommodate your choir’s vocal range, we can tailor this arrangement to your exact requirements. Contact us directly to discuss your needs.
What is your refund policy?
Due to the digital nature of our products, we cannot offer refunds once the download has been accessed. We encourage you to review the score preview carefully and contact us with any questions before purchasing.
Can I play the Flute part on Alto saxophone in E♭?
Yes. The Part Configurator is included in the price: the Flute part is also available for Oboe, Clarinet in B♭, Soprano saxophone in B♭ and Violin and 3 more instruments – transposed, in the right clef, checked for range and breathing. You receive the link by e-mail after your purchase.
Which parts are available for other instruments?
12 instrumental parts for 18 instruments in all. The overview “Parts for your instrumentation” on this page lists every original part with its instruments. For a different instrumentation you can send Paul Lorenz a request after your purchase.
Am I allowed to use the re-scored parts?
Yes. Parts from the Part Configurator belong to the edition you bought and are covered by the same license – for your ensemble, with the same rights of use. Every part carries the notice “Licensed to …” in its footer. For public performances the organiser registers the performance with the collecting society as usual (e.g. PRS, ASCAP/BMI, GEMA).