Double Horn Concerto (2020)

For 2 Solo Horns and Wind Ensemble,

2*2*2*2 - 2221 - Timp. + 2 - Pno - Hrp - Double Bass

Duration: 30 min.

Premiered by The Chelsea Symphony on March 6th, 2020 with

Jessica Santiago & Emily Wong, soloists and Matthew Aubin, conductor

Composer’s Note:

This concerto takes its inspiration from the sound and history of the French Horn, with each movement based on music I associate with the horn. The first movement, “Fanfares,” uses the tattoos and arpeggio flourishes found in many fanfares as its foundation. The opening rhythmic theme permeates the piece, while the initially aggressive arpeggios transform into a lyrical melody. These two kinds of music, rhythmic and lyrical, alternate before reaching a climax and coda based on the opening theme.

The second movement starts with a four-part chorale featuring the two solo horns and two bassoons, one of my favorite instrumental combinations. This chorale is answered by the ensemble and leads to a brief cadenza for the solo horns, followed by four variations of the chorale. Each variation has a distinct mood and features a different group from within the ensemble.

The third movement, called “The Hunt,” is an homage and sendup of the 6/8 hunting finale found in many past horn concertos, especially those of Mozart. These past examples are jolly without exception and, aside from brief minor-key episodes, carefree throughout. I remember thinking, “What if the hunt went wrong?” This movement plays with the idea, assuming the hunting party is drunk and ill-prepared, and there’s something nefarious in the woods...