3 movements:
I Allegro
II Adagio
III Rondo: Allegro
Clefs
Treble, bass
Meters
C, 2/4
Key signatures
1#, 2b, None
Range
Horn 1: a - c3
Horn 2: c - f2
Horn 3: a - g2
Horn 4: G - e2
Creator's Comments
The Six duets of Nicolai contain some wonderful, lyrical writing for the horn. They are a joy to play for both hornists; however, they always seem to sound somewhat empty. While many harmonies are implied, two horns just cannot cover them all. To solve this problem, I have transcribed these six pieces for four horns. In addition to filling out the harmonies, these transcriptions allow for less-taxing parts and eliminate some serious problems with page turns! The original first horn part is usually covered by either the first or third horn, while the original second horn part normally appears in the second or fourth part. This quartet consists of three movements which follow the typical pattern of Fast/Slow/Fast.
Performance Notes
Most of what is important is said above. No page turns (!), a slightly easier first horn part, and finally we can hear all those missing notes, especially in the opening Allegro. This is one of the best expansions on existing material for horn quartet, and should not be missed at any cost.
(For more information on the work itself, pull out Nicolai's Duets. If you haven't got them, get them. And this.)