This is a neglected miniature that Sibelius completed in 1919.
'Autrefois' is an arrangement for two sopranos and orchestra opus 96b to a text by Hjalmar Procope, with whom Sib had colaborated with in Belshazzar's Feast. It was given at this years Proms with Lilli Paasikivi, Helena Juntunen and Osmo Vanska and Lahti S. O. Its a delightful piece which deserves to be popular. Sibelius arranged it for piano in 1920. Their is also an option using two clarinets. I believe a few recordings are available in one form or another including Bis CD 1485
Worth seeking this little gem out. I now love it even more than Delibes famous 'Flower duet' from his Opera 'Lakme'.--kullervopete.

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