Urtext. Par SCHUMANN CLARA. Schumann's horn sonatas were composed in 1936/37. Considering the slim repertoire offered horn players from this period, it is more than surprising that these two masterpieces could have slumbered for so long. Both sonatas are similar in structure, with op. 118 being one Schumann's few three-movement sonatas. The first movements of the pieces sparkle with melancholically lyrical melodies, whereas passages strongly marked rhythmically, variously shape the two outer movements. Virtuoso moments can be found, respectively, in the final movements, bringing the works to a brilliant close. The horn parts predominantly range within the full, sonorous middle register, where occasional 'outbursts” up to the notated a flat'' are also not lacking. The clever handling of the balance of sounds, the possibilities on the early valve horn as well as the inner interweaving of themes differentiating horn and piano make the sonatas an exceedingly vivid testimony to Schumann's mature compositional art. Schumann's horn sonatas are a crucial enhancement to each horn player's repertoire. / Date parution : 2019-08-22/ Répertoire / Cor et Piano

French composer Alain Louvier (b. 1945) studied at the Paris Conservatoire where he won the 1968 Prix de Rome. His L'Hydre À Cinq Têtes makes for an exciting addition to the repertoires of the Horn Trombone Alto Saxophone Clarinet and Bassoon. As suggested by the title this Louvier work is influenced by a serpent-like water monster in Greek mythology the Lernaean Hydra who possessed many heads. Louvier's composition is virtousic for all instruments exploiting extended techniques such as ornamentations articulations and breath notes amongst other elements. With a typical performancelasting around four minutes Louvier's L'Hydre À Cinq Têtes is perhaps ironic in being adaptable to five different solo instruments; Horn Trombone Alto Saxophone Clarinet or Bassoon with Piano accompaniment. L'Hydre À Cinq Têtes is a challenging yet inspiring work for advanced players.

Here's a very special chance to add the wonderful themes from Shrek and Shrek 2 to your solo repertoire, complete with a CD of accompaniments produced to make your performances sparkle! / Date parution : 2006-06-21/ Recueil / Cor Français et Piano