Bass Oboe in a theatre orchestra

[Contratrombone64]

I've just been listening to a recording of Anything Goes. A splendid one at that, London Symphony Orchestra with Frederika von Stade in one of the lead roles.

Porter's musical language and melodic sense is almost unbeatable, one fantastic melody after anther and VERY witty, even risque libretto.

The CD, which has fabulous booklet notes, mentions some interesting facts about the difficulty of those 1920s and 30s musicals. Namely, invariably not orchestrated by the composer (no surprises there) and often with unique musicians in the pit. In the orchestra one of the Reed Books the player's main instrument is the oboe but doubles (unbelievably) on English Horn, Bass Oboe and Celeste.

[Robert Newman]

Hi there Contratrombone64,

Yes, I like Cole Porter too. You refer to various stage works not being orchestrated by the composer. The same is often true of works by Gershwin. Some extraordinary instrumental combinations, for sure !

Regards

RN

[Contratrombone64]

I particularly like the women's chorus in Act Two when they're having a go at one of the Cruise Liner's staff.

(And I paraphrase)

Yes, Officer, the ship's lovely. The foods is adequate, especially the apples. But why bring up apples. The chapel is quaint. If you like chapels! But, officer, there's just one important thing missing: where are the men??"

[Robert Newman]

Very good !!! LOL !

Robert

[Contratrombone64]

Now, I have that bloody tune "Where are the men" going around in my head (not a good look).