Théodore Casimir Lalliet

The Carnival of Venice

The Carnival of Venice is a popular Italian folk tune associated with the words "My hat, it has three corners." It was heard in Venice by the virtuoso violinist Nicolo Paganini and made famous in his own arrangement for violin. Many arrangements by other composers soon followed for a variety of instruments, most of them designed as unashamed showpieces. Theodore Lalliet's arrangement of "The Carnival of Venice" for oboe and piano opens with an introductory prelude, followed by the theme itself. The six variations that follow present the original tune in a variety of styles, all of which are designed to show off the technical capabilities of the performer. Belgian oboist Jos Simons made an arrangement of this work for Oboe and Symphonic Band.