A Night at the Opera for Two Flutes and Piano, Act I

This is a wonderful book! All eight duets are classics that have been sensitively arranged to allow the melodies to take centre stage. Easy keys and a modest note range puts them well within the range of most players with the piano accompaniments of a similar standard. They also work well for two flutes. so the potential for enjoying this music either as someone new to the operatic repertoire or as a seasoned opera buff is huge. This another must buy! Paradise!

This is a selection of famous Opera Arias arranged for two flutes and piano. A quick glance at the contents page shows that we are indeed in for an array of opera classics from Puccini’s O mio babbino caro to Delibes’ Flower Duet. The main themes are given to both flutes, often one at a time and sometimes occurring in harmony. Great care has been taken to give the supporting flute rhythmic or harmonic interest to ensure the parts are equally weighted. Musical details from the operas are replicated seamlessly through the two flute parts and piano accompaniment. For example, the upper strings echo that would echo the singer in Che soave zeffiretto is mimicked by the second flute whilst the piano provides the accompaniment of the lower orchestral instruments.

Page turns are sometimes troublesome, although in most cases the aria has been arranged to fit within a page. The notation itself is well spaced and performance directions for both flutes are clear. The piano part is also provided with accurate cues and copy of the flute parts.

These arias are useful as sight reading exercises for intermediate students and as a tool for exposing less experienced players to the opera world. Alternatively, they provide a set of crowd-pleasing encores fit for any concert!