DESCRIPTION:
This upload is a pastiche of sorts of two piece, closely connected by their melodic material: one - a charming cabaletta for soprano from Donizetti's "La favorita", another - a series of variations which are developed from this melody by Donizetti's contemporary and virtuoso oboist, Antonino Pasculli, whose legacy consists, in particular, of a series of difficult concertos on themes from operatic works, such as Verdi's "I vespri".

The original cabaletta (I've chosen Ileana Cotrubas as one of the most elegant interpreters of Inez imaginable) or, to be precise, its' first full verse and coda flank the variations themselves, originally a part of a much longer concerto but here presented separately from their original place, though, they work surprisingly well in "solo performance" and here, in such close proximity to their musical roots, almost become a dance for the women, singing the cabaletta. Passing onto the piece itself. It has to be one of the most sunny sets that I've encountered, tantalizingly virtuoso and yet humanely witty. Moreover, the piece adopts a very rich musical background, especially for a concerto centered around a soloist: strings provide a flowing line to support the ornaments of the oboe; horns enter at one point to provide the main melody over the oboe's elaborate lines; drums and harp feature prominently. A rewarding experience for all involved :). One other feature must be noted: the sudden shift to minor, to a more sombre mood, highlighted by the oboe's expressive cadenza (the only section where the soloist is truly alone). After such a transition, though, the piece returns to a more uplifting mood and, finally, to the theme itself which round out the concerto (though here the original cabaletta's coda is adopted).

Burkhard Glaetzner and, as Inez, Ileana Cotrubas both provide expressive and enjoyable readings. Hope you'll enjoy :)!