Music For Horns

Danny boy is a ballad by Frederick Weatherly, usually adapted to the tune of Londonderry air, and connected with Irish people worldwide. And even though it has been arranged many times, by many different groups and for many different ensembles, Meyer manages to add a new flavour to the harmonic structure of the work.

As usual there is a lot of part doubling, and the tessitura moves from high to low from horn 1 to 8. The first horn is frequently used as a solo part, playing on top of the ensemble, with rhythmical and harmonic variations on the theme, or counter-melodies. Every part though has it's moments, with four to five lines featured in counterpoint at certain moments.

This is one of the strongest Meyer arrangements, adding something interesting to a familiar tune.