A4, Score (12) & parts (3x7=21, plus percussion, 7, total=28)
Horns
3
Additional Equipment
Straight mutes
Others
1
Other Instruments
Percussion
Difficulty
2
Duration
6
Structure / Movements
One movement.
Lively - Slightly slower, rubato, swing - Slightly faster - Slow - Fast
Clefs
Treble
Meters
4/4, 5/4, 3/4, 2/4, free time, 6/8, 9/8
Key signatures
None
Range
Horn 1: eb1 - b2
Horn 2: bb - g2
Horn 3: f - g2
Creator's Comments
Dragonfire is for three horns and percussion and was written for the 32nd International Horn Society Symposium 2000 in Beijing, China. The percussion instruments in this piece were purposely limited and consist of timpani, tam tam, and suspended cymbal. It is primarily a lively work made up of short gestures and rhythmic motives as well as melodic line that is varied. Primary intervals in the piece include the minor third and the tritone while other compositional devices include variation, canon, and ostinato.
Performance Notes
Extended techniques required in this piece:
- quick open to hand stopping to open
- glissandi
- “falling” off notes
- trills
- ad lib section (play given notes as fast as possible in uneven rhythm)
- swing
This is an interesting piece for an uncommon combination, with ample chance to show off the possibilities of the horn. The percussion instruments used are slightly inconvenient for a rehearsal or concert venue other than a music institute or orchestra, but that should not deter anybody from seeking out this work.