In Donizetti's opera Lucia de Lammermoor, based on the novel, "The Bride of Lammermoor" by Sir Walter Scott (in the opera, you have guys wandering around in kilts and singing in Italian), the big tour de force for the soprano (Lucia) is the "mad scene." Long, varied aria in which the lady really works to earn her nickel. Along with the orchestra as usual, the most prominent instrument accompanying her voice is a flute.

In one legendary performance, the flute was replaced by a glass harmonica. Very eerie!

Don Firth