NOAH D. TAYLOR

Concerto for Horn & Orchestra - Part 1

Concerto for Horn & Orchestra
Score Sample | Audio Sample

In the fall of 2009 my friend and colleague, Mathew Evans commissioned my to compose a concerto for horn and orchestra. I was more than happy to take on the project and began my research for the work. As a trombone player, and an avid enthusiast of music for brass, I think it is very important to capture the essence of the Horn. After listening to many composers’ works for the horn, I felt ready to begin writing a virtuosic work for solo horn. After completing research I then began the initial steps in my composition.

My process usually involves me playing the piano and exploring various melodic and harmonic ideas for the horn. However, I adapted my process, when writing for brass, as I have been creating the various themes and technical passages in my own playing. Although, the upper range of the trombone has a distinctly different timbre than the horn in F, I have found that it gives me a better sense of how the music will be performed on a brass instrument.

After several days of exploration, I developed a melody that allowed for rich harmonic substance. As I began to orchestrate this theme the movement began to take shape and I found new themes within the texture. After only a few days or work, I completed what is now the second movement of my Concerto for Horn & Orchestra. This movement uses a ‘romantic’ harmony and orchestration. The melodic lines bring out the nuances of the horn with rich, lush texture. It is my hope that this captivating piece will be instantly memorable.

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