Details page | Music for Horns

Structure / Movements: 8 pieces: I Beethoven 9th tempo II Fast lively, III Moderato - Lightly IV Waltzy V A la Beethoven 4th VI Tempo di Blue Danube VII Swingingly VIII Fast as possible

Creator's Comments: … in which David Stanhope, with tongue in cheek, pays homage to the musical heritage left to us by the great composers. When asked for explanatory notes, Mr. Stanhope merely suggested that “the Cortettes were originally written as horn demonstration pieces for the South Australian Symphony Orchestra school concerts, while I was a member of the horn section”. However, after listening to an excellent tape fo the Cortettes, with the composer playing all four parts, it seems that the following suggestions might help participants to set the proper impudent mood: #1 can use all possible contrast between the light and the boisterous passages. #2 is a slightly condensed version of a famous rondo. To avoid confusion, note placement of the “a tempo” following the molto retard. #3 comes up with some chord changes that even the highly modulatory Mr. Wagner never quite had the nerve to use!! #4 Mr. Tchaikowsy meets Mr. Berlioz, and Mr. Stanhope explores the lower reaches of the horn. #5 Alas, poor Ludwig!! If horns had only had avlves, what then? #6 Richard meets Johann. Contrast the sudden “a tempi” with the exaggerated ritards. Stopped notes in lower three horns should move to the following notes with a glissando effect. #7 More Beethoven, with a we touch of Strauss roguishly concealed toward the end. #8 FAST!! An even 30 seconds when performed by the composer.

Performance Notes: These are fun little pieces that re-arrange orchestral favourites in a way that will put a smile on every horn player’s face. They go into both extremes, with a considerably more difficult 1st part than the others, but it’s the effect that counts, and the Cortettes are hard to beat in that regard. Highly recommended!

A Datebase of Music for Horn Ensembles