Description

Brod composed a quartet for piano, oboe, trumpet and bassoon, three wind quintets and several pieces for oboe, bassoon and piano. Some of these are …based on popular melodies of the time or on folk tunes, and consist of elaborate variations with ample opportunity for all the players to show off. Others are adapted from grand opera, in this case from Lucia di Lammermoor, Donizetti’s finest opera, itself based on the novel by Sir Walter Scott, The Bride of Lammermoor. The dark and tragic story centres on Lucia (a role graced by many great singers) and her thwarted love for Edgar. When Edgar announces his departure to France on official business for Scotland, the lovers sing “My sighs shall on the balmy breeze…”. This is the Duo chosen and arranged by Brod. The oboe and bassoon become the singing duet and the pianist provides the orchestral back-up.