The Golden Age Of The Horn
Naxos, 2024
9/10
Listen to The Golden Age Of The Horn
The esteemed composer JoAnn Falletta and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra come together for this project that fleshes out double concertos for horn from the 18th century by composers Friedrich Witt, Franz Anton Hoffmeister, Leopold Mozart and František Xaver Pokorný.
Witt’s “Concerto for 2 Horns (No. 3) in F Major” begins the listen with dancing strings and the well timed winds unfolding with grace and melody, and “Concerto for 2 Horns No. 3 in E-Flat Major”, by Hoffmeister, follows with rich instrumentation that allows for Jacek Muzyk and Daniel Kerdelewicz’s animated horns to shine.
On the back half, “Concerto for 2 Horns in E-Flat Major” showcases the flowing strings that are nothing short of meticulous via the Mozart selection, where the well timed horns add to the appeal, while Pokorný’s “Concerto for 2 Horns in F Major” exits with the orchestra and horns interacting with a call and response that’s playful and timeless.
Falletta and her company highlight a time when the horn was becoming more prominent, and it makes for a striking and sophisticated addition to her large catalog, where Muzyk and Kerdelewicz’s contributions are nothing short of profound.
Travels well with: JoAnn Falletta- Elfman-Hailstork Concertos; JoAnn Falletta- Walton: The Complete Facades