4 movements:
I Modere
II Allegro
III Lentamente
IV Gigue
Clefs
Treble
Meters
C, 3/2, 6/8
Key signatures
None
Range
Horn 1: g - g2
Horn 2: g - g2
Horn 3: g - e2
Creator's Comments
Performance Notes
Joseph Bodin de Boismortier (1689-1755) was a French composer of the Baroque, writing instrumental and vocal music, as well as cantatas and opera ballets. This Sonata is a transcription of an original work for three flutes, with surprisingly limited range (g – g2), and unsurprisingly limited harmonic material. Three of the four movements are in C major (horn pitch), and only one in E major (the third).
The interesting bits are evenly distributed between the parts, with an overall hierarchy 1-2-3 (in terms of tessitura). The first movement is sonata-form like, with many scale patterns. The second movement is fugal, and the only movement that justifies the medium difficulty rating, with its leaps. The third movement is a homophonic chorale, while the last one, a gigue, contains the most modulations (and hence accidentals).
Overall a good presentation by The Hornists’ Nest, and recommended for people on the look out for medium difficult titles with a Baroque flavour.