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Listen to a RealAudio (G2) stream of the first movement of this work performed by Judith Famous, oboe and the Susquehanna Symphony Orchestra, Sheldon Bair, conductor.
Listen to a RealAudio (G2) stream of the second movement of this work.
Listen to a RealAudio (G2) stream of the third movement of this work.
Download an MP3 file of the first movement of this work Judith Famous, oboe and the Susquehanna Symphony Orchestra, Sheldon Bair, conductor.
Download an MP3 file of the second movement of this work.
Download an MP3 file of the fourth movement of this work.
View/download a perusal PDF file of the full score of this orchestral work.
View/download a PDF file of the solo oboe part of this work.
(Photograph of oboist Judith Famous and members of the Susquehanna Symphony Orchestra after their recording session, Bel Air, MD.)
Composed for the Susquehanna Symphony Orchestra, Sheldon Bair, Music Director, and especially for Oboist, Judith Famous, Havre de Grace, Maryland
"Enchantment" -- the orchestra creates gentle, flowing patterns as if casting a spell of wonder and magic, The oboe enters with a theme of scalar descents, embellished with grace notes. The orchestra and oboe interweave their patterns.
"Tricks" -- the conductor becomes a Magician, proudly wearing a Magician's hat. The oboe attempts to conjure up a rabbit from the conductor's hat. Aha! The rabbit appears, and joins in conducting the orchestra!
Now, the oboe becomes the Magician's Assistant, volunteering to be sawed in half (!). The oboe takes a seat within the orchestra (i.e., within the sawing box). A "sawing theme" is played in the lower strings. Vigorous bowing ensues. A cry of terror is heard from the oboe. The sawing continues...but, miraculously, the oboe survives and emerges intact.
The Magician now produces a large egg, proudly displayed. However, this is a sleight-of-hand trick. The egg vanishes, reappears in various places within the orchestra, and makes a surprise final appearance.
"Evening Magic" -- sounds at dusk, a serenade, the sunset, stars, shooting stars. The quiet of evening unfolds. Ultimately, the magical brilliance of the night lends its energy to the music.
Suggested props for "Tricks"
Small table near Conductor, for props
Magician's Hat (for the Conductor)
Large stuffed rabbit mounted on a pole to be raised up for audience viewing
Small hand saw
Cloth or scarf on table
6 large plastic eggs (such as the kind which came with "L'Eggs" stockings)
Notes by the composer