GEAR SHIFT
Instrumentation:
| Horn in F 1 | Horn in F 5 | |
| Horn in F 2 | Horn in F 6 | |
| Horn in F 3 | Horn in F 7 | |
| Horn in F 4 | Horn in F 8 |
Duration: ~4:00
Writing for brass quickly became a passion of mine when I started the work on my first Brass Quintet. As soon as the opportunity came up to write a piece for 8 Horns, even though a bit skeptical at first, I was able to see the great potential this ensemble offers. Horn has always been one of my favorite instruments in the orchestra but in most symphonic settings you have to make certain compromises to the detriment of the instrument.
The name is the game for this piece. With just two melodic ideas the piece constantly shifts its gears from fast to slow, from loud to quiet, from big to small. Getting each shift properly interpreted is the piece’s greatest challenge.
My gratitude goes to Förderverein für Kunst, Medien und Wissenschaft Karlsruhe, and all their members due to their continued support and for making the creation of this piece a possibility.
This piece is dedicated to the Horn Class of Will Sanders at Hochschule für Musik Karlsruhe.
