Magnificent horn player explores the impact of solitude, the quiet reflection of self and nature, and the qualities of courage and hope

GENRE: Classical/Horn

COMPOSERS: Stephen Chatman, Kristin Flores, Stacy Garrop, Stephen Gryc, Erica Raum, Farin Mansouri Tehrani, Elizabeth Raum, James Stephenson

A Northwestern graduate who studied with Gail Williams and played with Mallory Thompson, Valerie Whitney has found her 'stride' on this wonderfully produced solo horn recording featuring a diversified program with Canadian and women composers (and two premieres!).

A brief description of the music:

'Courage' is a daring endeavor for both composer and performer, bursting forth with unfettered strength, gusto and joyous energy from start to finish.

'By the Lake' captures the essence of a quiet summer evening by a mountain lake, with the natural world preparing for the night to come.

'Harmonielehre' is a modern-day exploration of the natural horn - its modern folk-like melodies and rollicking passages harken back to the hunting horn.

'Confessions' is a tone poem for solo horn, titled after Saint Augustine's autobiography and depicting major events in his life.

'Bewildered' was composed to explore deep nostalgia, solitude, and isolation. With vivid emotional gestures, it evokes the image of a solitary individual seeking comfort in nature.

'Idiom' places the horn back in its native outdoor setting by evoking all the musical expressions historically associated with the horn and the hunt; a raucous chase across the fields interspersed with dances and songs!

'Shall I Compare Thee' is an entry from James Stephenson's collection of horn etudes entitled 'Maytudes'; Whitney commissioned Jim to write a piano accompaniment to the etude with the intention of including it on this album. Jim has captured the poem's sentiments of love and loss in this beautiful new addition to the horn repertoire. Includes Terrance Dawson accompaniment on piano.

Track Listing

• Courage!
• By the Lake
• Sanskara
• Reflections on a Southern Hymn Tune: I. Intonation
• Reflections on a Southern Hymn Tune: II. Chant
• Reflections on a Southern Hymn Tune: III. Pastoral
• Reflections on a Southern Hymn Tune: IV. Wondrous Love
• Harmonielehre
• Confessions of St. Augustine: I. Youth and Pagan Beginnings
• Confessions of St. Augustine: II. The Mystical Voice of the Child in the Garden
• Confessions of St. Augustine: III. St. Augustine, Bishop of Hippo
• Confessions of St. Augustine: IV. Debate at the Baths of Sozius
• Bewildered
• Idiom
• Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day?

Additional Details

Label: Summit Records

Genre: Classical

Run Time: 60:06 mins

Region: 0

Release Date: 07/19/24

UPC: 099402824925