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.
