Sinfonia Concertante for Horn and Chamber Orchestra

Abstract

The genre "Sinfonia Concertante" typically features one or more solo instruments interacting with an accompanying orchestra. It is neither a concerto nor a formal symphony, but a hybrid of the two. In this composition, the horn is the featured instrument, accompanied by a chamber orchestra consisting of 1 Flute (doubling Piccolo), 1 Oboe, 2 Clarinets (second player doubling Bass Clarinet), 1 Bassoon, 1 Trumpet, 1 Trombone, 2 Percussionists, and a full complement of strings. The piece exhibits characteristics of a traditional symphony through the use of primary and subordinate theme groups that are contrasted in character, harmonic areas, and orchestration. The work explores the concept of rhythmic juxtaposition by the casting of a motive against an augmented version of itself. In general, the use of recurring themes and motivic fragments as well as a recycling of pitch material help to tie the two movements together as a cohesive whole.