Brett Miller:
Studies on Brahms
Studies on Mahler
Studies on Strauss

These studies can be purchased separately or in a package set.

The composer writes:

The Concert Etudes on the Themes of Brahms, Mahler and Strauss focus on particularly demanding technical or musical challenges that horn players encounter in preparing the orchestral works of these composers for performance or audition. I have attempted to compose each etude in a manner that is stylistically coherent with the writing of Strauss. These etudes are composed so that technique is served by musicality. While striving to make each etude extremely challenging, I composed each work as though it could be performed as an unaccompanied recital piece.

Each etude pushes the technical envelope far past the excerpt upon which it is based, whether the etude is based on articulation, dynamic control, transposition, lyricism, or pure finger technique inherent in each symphonic excerpt. It is my intention that achieving mastery on a particular etude will directly translate into an overall ease in performing the work upon which it is based. Furthermore, these etudes will develop technique that directly correlates to the performance of a symphonic work in a manner that is more musically liberating than constant repetition of a particular excerpt. Therefore, these etudes are not only beneficial to those who are learning the orchestral literature from the ground up, but for those who need a new way in which to practice and to enhance their understanding of a particular excerpt.

Mosaic for Horn and Piano (orig. horn and orchestra) by Elizabeth Knudson

Mosaic was inspired by the idea of creating a dreamscape, with the solo horn as the central character: the one experiencing the dream. I was interested in exploring the idea of dreaming as a means of processing ideas and information, but at the same time, being aware that dreaming is not a process over which we have the same degree of control as we do over our conscious thoughts. Just as real-life information and experiences are filtered and transformed through the dreaming process, several motivic ideas recur and are transformed throughout the various movements. The piece is structured in five movements (attacca), beginning with slow-moving octaves in the lowest range of the piano, emulating the slow breathing of one falling asleep.  The second movement is bright, with melodic reference to a pelog gamelan scale. The third movement expands outwards from the first three notes of Brahms' famous Lullaby, evolving into something much more intense at the climax of the piece. The fourth movement is a cadenza for the solo horn, leading into the fifth movement, which contains reference to an out-of-body experience.

Mosaic received its premiere (orchestral version) with the West Coast Symphony Orchestra: Bujar Llapaj, conductor, and guest horn soloist Oliver de Clercq (principal horn, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra), on June 11th, 2010, at Vancouver Technical Theatre, Vancouver, B.C., Canada.

Wagner, Richard (arr. Cleeton) - Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral (for 12 horns)

This arrangement of Wagner's classic and grandiose work makes a great addition to any horn ensemble program. Available now for purchase and immediate download in the IHS Online Music Library. A sample score is also available.

The IHS is seeking applicants for the unpaid position of co-ordinator for its biennial Composition Contest. The post has recently been vacated by Paul Basler after many years of service. The IHS Composition Contest was created in 1979 to promote new works for the horn. The co-ordinator is responsible for overseeing all publicity, appointment of judges, receipt and distribution of entries, communicating contest results for publication, and submitting an annual report on contest planning and results. The Advisory Council would like to appoint someone who combines active work as a composer with knowledge of the horn. If you are interested, or know of someone suitable to recommend, please contact Executive Secretary Heidi Vogel,exec-secretary@hornsociety.org.

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