Flauto solo

Libretto by Hans von Wolzogen (G)

colS,T,2Bar,2B; chorus

2.picc.2.2.3.dbn-4.2.3.1-timp.perc-harp-strings

onstage: 1.picc.0.2.Ebcl.4-2.2.2tenorhn.3.1.barytone-perc

A German principality in the 18th century

Pepusch has composed a ‘pig canon’ for 6 bassoons, expressing his sound sense of humour and showing his equally sound composition skills in the best German tradition. Prince Eberhard considers it Pepusch’s best work. Prince Ferdinand and his protégé Emanuele, however, sense an occasion to make a laughing stock of the German director of music – and, at the same time, the prince’s taste – by performing the canon before the prince’s friends, who all have distinguished artistic taste. – Pepusch quick-wittedly adds one of the Italian’s melodies as the top part and gets the surprised prince to play it as a ‘flute solo’ during the performance of the canon. The audience is enthusiastic about the musical result. German and Italian music have been reconciled – and have reconciled the rivalling opponents.

Comic