The Prelude movement savors the lyrical and expressive capabilities of the two solo instruments.
Beginning with tender simplicity, the music gradually leads to an impassioned climax before closing with a brief reprise of the opening material.
The Quodlibet is a madcap march. Over twenty well-known oboe and English horn orchestral
excerpts are humorously quoted, and each instrument gets plenty of chances to shine. Audiences
laugh out loud—a welcome sound in concert halls!
Click below to hear the music performed by Elizabeth Koch, oboe, and Patrick McFarland,
English horn—both principal players with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. This performance
is also available on Boston Records BR1075CD.
