Concerto for Horn and Band

From Wind Repertory Project
Franz Strauss

Franz Strauss (arr. Sarlette)


This work bears the designation Opus 8.


General Info

Year: 1865 / 2001
Duration: c. 13:30
Difficulty: IV (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Hafabra Music
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - €153.00   |   Score Only (print) - €31.00


Movements (played without pause)

1. Allegro moderato – 5:30
2. Andante – 3:15
3. Allegro moderato – 4:25


Instrumentation

Full Score
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
Bassoon I-II
E-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
E-flat Alto Clarinet
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II
Solo Horn in F
Horn in F I-II
Trombone I-II
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Timpani


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Fran Strauss's aesthetic views and legendary musical skills (especially his uniquely rich, beautiful tone) immensely influenced his concerto. Unlike his son's concertos, which showcase amazing feats of technique on the instrument, Franz's 1865 contribution to the genre challenges the player's sense of musicality, tone, intonation, and melodic phrasing.

The first movement opens like a traditional concerto, with the orchestra establishing the key and thematic material for the work. It is a rather stern military march, but in a surprising turn of events, the entrance of the solo horn also brings a lyrical new theme. The thematic material is not shared as much in this concerto as other concerto forms. As a result, the importance of the solo horn is always held primary.

The end of the first movement dovetails with the beginning of the second; there is not a traditional pause between movements. After a short orchestral interlude, the melodically driven Andante begins. This movement highlights the kind of lyrical, balanced playing for which Strauss the horn player was known. The final movement is signaled by a timpani roll and is the most technically demanding movement of the work. Some of the leaps and runs no doubt inspired his son, who became rather notorious among horn players for writing very challenging horn parts in his own work—certainly a trait passed from father to son.

- Program Note by Anthony Suter for Redlands Symphony concert program, 9 March 2013


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

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Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources