Dear Subscriber,
March has arrived, and depending on your location on the globe, this also signals the onset of spring in the northern hemisphere and autumn in the southern hemisphere. In either case, it is a time of transition from extreme hot or cold weather, which is particularly significant for horn players, as it allows for more time spent outdoors in nature.
In line with this, please enjoy Pastoral, a piece I composed inspired using the natural sounds of the horn. The composition incorporates open sounds, stopped sounds, and echo effects, with indicated fingerings designed to mimic the natural horn, taking advantage of modern horn capabilities to swiftly change crooks. It begins with the gentle beating of a brass mute against the mouthpiece, followed by stopped notes producing a wah-wah effect, and even includes a whistle-like sound reminiscent of wind in the forest, and it allows time to remove the mute.
The horn, originating from the horns of animals, shares its name, not surprisingly, with them in most languages. The sound of a horn holds special significance when played in harmony with nature. So, I encourage you to take your horn outdoors and play! Better yet, invite your friends along, for while playing the horn solo is magical, the true glory of the instrument is revealed when played together in a group. I have a personal theory that, excluding some mythological creatures, all animals in nature have horns in pairs, which may explain why the horn sounds magnificent when performed as part of an ensemble.
In the March issue of the Horn and More Newsletter, as usual, you can expect a variety of articles to keep you engaged with your instrument. These articles may inspire your practice, introduce new music for your next recital, provide topics for your research, or simply offer more information related to our beloved instrument. The International Horn Society (IHS) has been a source of inspiration for me in so many ways, particularly through the opportunity to connect with a community of individuals who are passionate about playing, researching, or simply enjoying the horn. If you are not yet a member of the IHS, I encourage you to join our this wonderful community and experience the enjoyment it brings.
Ricardo Matosinhos, IHS Representative for Portugal
