76
537
Scene 6
1 Fl. 2
Ob.
1
E.H.
Cl. in B
1
Bs. Cl.
1 Bn.
to Contrabassoon
2
remove mute
1 Hn. in F
remove mute
2
1 Tpt. in C 2
1 Tbn. 2
Timp.
1
Perc.
2 B.D.
3
(The curtains open, revealing the dismal Gothic-vaulted interior of the Conciergerie prison. It is night. Candle and torchlight disclose two levels. On the first is a large, barrack-like cell containing a group of terrified, disheveled aristocrats awaiting execution. An ancient, demented duchess with grand manners, wearing a decaying, extravagant hat and ball-gown, is serving imaginary tea to imaginary guests. (She is the living version of the Woman With Hat.) Two men are sitting in a corner, quietly talking. Most of the other prisoners are lying on straw pallets, trying to sleep. Stone steps with iron railings lead to a walkway and a second level of smaller cells, the barred doors of which are visible.)
Synth.
8ba
Piano
8ba
Harp
I (con sord.)
Vn. II
(con sord.)
Va. con sord.
al sord.
Vc. 2 soli, div.
Cb.