One movement in two parts & coda:
Andante
Allegro
Maestoso
Adagio
Allegro
Clefs
Treble, bass
Meters
C, 6/4
Key signatures
1#
Range
Horn 1: b - b2
Horn 2: F# - d#2
Horn 3: b - f#2
Horn 4: E - d2
Horn 5: b - g2
Horn 6: E - c2
Horn 7: g - f2
Horn 8: G - d2
Creator's Comments
Performance Notes
Lowell Shaw is probably better known for all that trips, frips and quips, but this is a different type of composition that demands attention for its beautifully written lines, use of the range, and musical merit. Even with a range form E to b2, Andante and allegro is of medium difficulty, as every extreme is approached, the rhythms are straight-forward and interlocking easily, and the tempo of the allegro not exactly specified (and so can be taken slightly slower by the intermediate ensemble).
Shaw uses the open versus muted colour contrast frequently, with both sections opening muted. They also contain homophonic, chorale-like passages, as well as syncopated bits, with an emphasis on scale patterns of any kind (major, minor). From a technical point of view, this composition is an ideal piece to work on to take an intermediate ensemble to the next level, and it is equally convincing musically.