"Funicul�, Funicul�" is a Neapolitan song composed in 1880 by Luigi Denza to lyrics by Peppino Turco. It was written to commemorate the opening of the first funicular railway on Mount Vesuvius. The sheet music was published by Ricordi and sold over a million copies within a year. Since its publication, it has been widely adapted (Richard Strauss, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Arnold Schoenberg) and recorded (Luciano Pavarotti, Beniamino Gigli, Il Volo).

This arrangement for Oboe with Piano Accompaniment is suitable for any occasion: from concert to wedding or even for a brilliant encore.

Downton Abbey was a much loved TV series that ran for six seasons capturing the hearts of many across the world. The composer of the music, John Lunn, won two Primetime Emmys for the hauntingly beautiful score. I have arranged this wonderful piece for other solo players and piano, as well as for string quartet/string orchestra. The 30 sec clip is done on Sibelius software as I have not yet been able to record this piece live, but if you search my Youtube Channel, Skinny Black Dogs, Capriccio Quartet, Downton Abbey, you can see and hear the live version. The harmony and structure is exactly the same.

I have chosen a key for oboe that would be suitable for ABRSM Grade 2 and above. At bar 16 however, the pianist will need to pick up the end of the phrase from the oboe without breaking the melodic line. Make sure that you grow through the phrases with your pianist. It is a piece that requires a great deal of ebb and flow with lots of crescendo and diminuendo throughout for you to feel together! Please do send me a recording of your playing it, even if it is done on a phone. Send me a message on Facebook. I hope you enjoy playing this piece!