My orchestration for small orchestra of the overture to the opera by Auber. It was first performed in 1844 and Johann Strauss II made his own orchestration of the overture and performed it in his first concert in October that year.

Again, the Auber was written for a huge orchestra and arranging it for small forces is a challenge. Admittedly less of a challenge than the overture to La Muette de Portici Strauss performed at the same concert.

The overture itself is similar in style to those written by Rossini … 25 years earlier … with better tunes … and more interesting harmonies … and more wit … and without breaking sweat.