The National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) commissioned several American composers, including Quincy Porter and Anthony Donato, to write solo works for brass instruments shortly after World War II.
Composition History
A horn concerto was not commissioned by the NASM because it was believed that horn soloists already had enough standard works, such as those by Mozart and Strauss.
Performer Biography
Dennis Hay, the pianist on this album, is an instructor of music at Mississippi County Community College and is active as a solo performer, accompanist, and piano teacher in the Mid-South.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The album features American music for horn, reflecting the diversity of 20th-century American music, from neo-Romantic lyricism to dissonant atonality, though the selected works use a more traditional approach.
Performer Biography
Robin Dauer, the horn player on this album, is an Assistant Professor of horn at Arkansas State University and has performed with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in two locations in Arkansas: the Sanctuary of the Nettleton Baptist Church in Jonesboro, and the Adams/Vines Recital Hall of Mississippi County Community College in Blytheville.
Instruments
The horn played on this recording is a Conn 28D, equipped with an Atkinson A.5 leadpipe and a Lawson nickel-bronze bell.
