The Hebrides (overture) overture state the theme Mendelssohn wrote while visiting the cave, and is played initially by the violas, cellos, and bassoons. This lyrical theme, suggestive of the power and stunning beauty of the cave, is intended to develop feelings of loneliness and solitude. The second theme, meanwhile, depicts movement at sea and "rolling waves". The piece is scored for 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, timpani and strings. Performances of the overture typically last between 10½ and 11 minutes. The autograph manuscript of the work is held in the Bodleian Library, Oxford. The Hebrides (overture)
Overture to an Italian Comedy Overture to an Italian Comedy The Overture to an Italian Comedy for orchestra was composed in 1936 by Australian composer Arthur Benjamin; it was first performed in London on 2 March 1937, under the direction of Gordon Jacob. The piece opens "fortissimo", presenting its first main subject in the woodwinds against pizzicato strings and creating a lively mood.The second theme is much softer, and is presented by a solo horn.Following this is a gayer melody for two flutes playing in thirds; this is soon taken up by the trumpets, who are instructed in the score to play in a "vulgar"