Malcolm Arnold's Fantasy for Horn, Op. 88 is an unaccompanied concert work written in 1966. Commissioned by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra for the Birmingham International Wind Competition, it was first performed by Ferenc Tarjani at Birmingham Town Hall that May. Faber Music gives an approximate duration of five minutes.
A lively, hunting-call character frames more reflective, lyrical writing. Quick changes of dynamics and articulation make the solo line sound by turns playful, forceful, and inward-looking. Hand-stopped passages add a pointed, metallic color, while the slower music asks for connected phrasing and secure intonation.
The combination of agility, register changes, endurance, and contrasting tone colors makes this a demanding choice for advanced students and experienced hornists. With no accompaniment, the performer must establish the pulse and sustain the musical argument alone. This Faber edition is the solo horn work, not an arrangement with piano.
** Houghton Horns is not in any way affiliated with the creators of this video. We have linked the video to provide you with a sense of how the music sounds, but this artist's interpretation of the piece may differ from your sheet music.
Malcolm Arnold's Fantasy for Horn, Op. 88 is an unaccompanied concert work written in 1966. Commissioned by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra for the Birmingham International Wind Competition, it was first performed by Ferenc Tarjani at Birmingham Town Hall that May. Faber Music gives an approximate duration of five minutes.
A lively, hunting-call character frames more reflective, lyrical writing. Quick changes of dynamics and articulation make the solo line sound by turns playful, forceful, and inward-looking. Hand-stopped passages add a pointed, metallic color, while the slower music asks for connected phrasing and secure intonation.
The combination of agility, register changes, endurance, and contrasting tone colors makes this a demanding choice for advanced students and experienced hornists. With no accompaniment, the performer must establish the pulse and sustain the musical argument alone. This Faber edition is the solo horn work, not an arrangement with piano.
** Houghton Horns is not in any way affiliated with the creators of this video. We have linked the video to provide you with a sense of how the music sounds, but this artist's interpretation of the piece may differ from your sheet music.