The Umeå Sinfonietta, the accompanying orchestra, is Sweden's northernmost and youngest professional orchestra, with a young average age among its players.
Composition History
Matyás Seiber's Notturno was written for Dennis Brain, a highly capable horn player, and dedicated to the memory of Brahms.
Interpretation
The performer, Sören Hermansson, chose these pieces to highlight the horn's ability to produce different nuances when accompanied only by strings.
Performer Biography
Sören Hermansson, the horn soloist on this album, was born in 1956 in Sweden and has been a soloist with many orchestras in Sweden, Finland, and Denmark.
Compositional Technique
Lars-Erik Larsson, the composer of the Horn Concertino, used muted horn effects for dramatic impact and to create a sense of distance.
Composition History
Gordon Jacob's Horn Concerto was also written for Dennis Brain, a highly capable horn player, indicating its demanding nature.
Critical Reception
Mátyás Seiber's Notturno is considered a rarity, possibly because it lacks a virtuosic conclusion, which might reduce its appeal to a wider audience.
