Scena I: Each of Barret’s two scenas is
entitled Air Varié. Both are constructed in the formula found in
early 19th-century Italian opera: orchestral ritornello, cavatina
with cadenza, and cabaletta with variations. Some instrumental works in
this genre are actually called concerto by their composers, that is to
say, they are meant to be performed with orchestra. Barret’s ritornelli
do not exist in the source (his Oboe Method), although the measures of
rest are given. Therefore, the editor had to create the initial orchestral
introductions from Barret’s etudes and the petite reprises from the second
section of the cabalettas. In the First Air Varié, part of the Grand
Study No. 6 was chosen for the introductory ritornello. For practical reasons,
the melodic line has been given to the oboe rather than to the piano, which
is standing in for the orchestra. The same procedure will be followed in
the second Air Varié. The Tempi of the sections follows:
Ritornello [Dotted Quarter = 76]
Cavatina [Quarter = 72]
Cabaletta [Quarter = 96]
Variation 1 [Quarter = 96]
Variation 2 [Dotted Quarter = 96]
Variation 3 [Quarter = 96]
Variation 1 features quadruplets and syncopation, thereby turning the original
waltz of the cabaletta into a polacca. Two sets of triplets per beat are
found in Variation 2 where the waltz is restored. Barret notates this section
in ¾, which is incorrect since it is permeated with triplets. The
editor has applied the correct meter of 18/16. Finally, Variation 3 is
set in quadruplet subdivision like Variation 1, but here the quadruplets
are constant; this final variation ends with a coda of five tonicizing
closing themes.