Rhapsody for Horn

This concert piece for horn and large symphonic band was composed in
1995 and commissioned by Bowling Green State University in Ohio. The
work was dedicated to Herbert Spencer, the soloist who put together the
first performance on January 26, 1996 in the BGSU concert hall. The
BGSU Symphonic Band conducted by Bruce Moss accompanied him. In this
particularly colorful work, the immense sound possibilities of the solo
instrument and band are fully exploited. The piece begins with a huge
glissando in which sound unites from two directions to the pitch F.
This spectacular effect symbolizes the large bell of the horn and
immediately sets tonal poles. The first is the F tone center (also the
basic tuning pitch of the horn), and the second is the interval of a
tritone from F, the B tone center. The seemingly improvisational
opening passage is based on a spiraling, widening series of tones
ranging from F to B. This widening effect is meant to express the soft
conical bore of the horn.
An Allegro Burlesco follows, which presents a rhythmic and dynamic
theme. After a short cadenza comes a slow section full of dark sounds
and punctuated by ostinato accompanying patterns. Here the band has the
opportunity to show its true colors. The horn’s large concert range is
also evident in this middle section. The Allegro Burlesco is resumed
(with slight variation) leading to a spectacular coda, fully displaying
the talents of the soloist. A reversed glissando brings the piece to a
cyclical conclusion.