Details page

Title
Three pieces for four horns op.20
Original Title
Trois pieces pour 4 cors op.20
Composer
Zbinden, Julien-Francois
Year
1953
Editor
Arranger
Year Arranged
Original Instrumentation
Publisher
Breitkopf
Year Published
1954
Catalogue Number
Kammermusik-Bibliothek Nr. 2104
Sheet Music Format
A4, Score (12) & parts (4x3 = 12)
Horns
4
Additional Equipment
Others
Other Instruments
Duration
10
Structure / Movements
3 movements: I Prelude II Aria III Final
Clefs
Treble, bass
Meters
3/4, 2/4, 5/8, 7/8, 3/8, 5/4, 4/4
Key signatures
None
Range
Horn 1: e1 - c3 Horn 2: f - e2 Horn 3: a - g2 Horn 4: G - c2
Creator's Comments
Performance Notes
This is a challenging work, especially the final movement, with frequent meter changes and demands on technical ability. The prelude is a fast movement in ¾, 2/4, 5/8, 7/8 and 3/8, changing almost every bar. Still, all the parts are difficult but very playable, and it is the interconnectivity of all four voices that make this movement interesting. The slow aria is lyrical, with the melody almost exclusively in the first horn. The final movement is the most difficult one at a tempo of 152. The parts alternate in playing the several motifs, ending in a chorale-like Largo. The whole work is very lyrical overall and therefore, in combination with the technical demands, a very satisfying playing and listening experience for the advanced horn quartet.
Credits
Access to review score: Nancy Joy (NMSU)
Sound
Score