More Than 4 Horns
The American Horn Quartet, formed in 1982, features 4 award winning American hornists who perform in well known European orchestras. As individuals, members of the quartet have won prizes in competitions in New York, Geneva, Narbonne, Prague, Markneukirchen and Munich. As a quartet, they have won first prizes at the Philip Jones International Brass Chamber Music Competition in Barcs, Hungary (1989), the Notamus International Chamber Music Competition in Brussels (1991) and the 7th Tokyo International Chamber Music Competition (1992). In it's effort to bring music of the highest calibre to it's audiences all over the world, the Quartet is ever expanding the repertoire of Horn Quartet literature. The pieces in this album were arranged by members of the Quartet and appear as they are played by the American Horn Quartet in concert.

The American Horn Quartet can be heard on CD on various labels.

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Farewell to Red Castle, (8 Hn)
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Horn Octet

by Kerry Turner

Written for and dedicated to the Japan-German who premiered this work at the 27th International Horn Society Workshop in Japan.

Check out this recording of this work: CD TAKE 9

 

Casbah of Tetouan (5 Horns)
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5 Horns, Opt. Bell Tree, Tamborine

by Kerry Turner

The Casbah of Tetouan was conceived during a visit to Morocco in the summer of 1988. The composer offers the following anecdote:
"As we crossed the Straits of Gibraltar and first laid eyes on the North African coast, I knew we were in store for an adventure! The city of Tetouan was our destination; we were soon standing before its main gates. As we entered the city, our senses were overrun by the many exotic new sights, complementing the wild sounds and smells of the bustling ancient city.  After proceeding only a few feet past hobbled live chickens, we found ourselves immersed completely in the endless, tiny alleys of the Casbah. It was a labyrinth of tunnels and passageways, lined with vendors and shops the size of walk-in closets. Anything could be had, including copperware, sacks of spices and grains, and silk. Street butchers displayed slaughtered lambs, goats and pigs, and a snake charmer with his cobra unnerved the unwary passerby. Somewhere around the urine-treated leather goods things began to swim before my eyes. After I informed the guide that I was ill, a young boy was sent to escort me to a quiet place. The boy knew every secret passage and shortcut in the Casbah. He led me through even tinier streets and tunnels, across nomad camps, and even through a kitchen! We sailed through the back door of a mosque, and out the other side. Finally we entered a large, dark and cool house, which seemed to be some sort of palace. The boy led me to a back room and laid me down upon a bed of large pillows. I passed out. I awoke thoroughly disoriented. The first things I saw were six elaborately cloaked elderly men, wildly discussing in Arabic what could possibly be wrong with me, I heard exotic music and aromatic food assailed my senses. After closer observation I discovered I was in a fancy restaurant, being entertained by a belly dancer. Somehow my wife and brother found me and we resumed our inspection of Tetouan. I still felt lightheaded and rather doped by the "therapeutic" tea; my impressions of the city were somewhat hallucinogenic."

- Kerry Turner

The Casbah of Tetouan has been recorded on CD by the American Horn Quartet and is available on the EBS label.

Toccata & Fugue, (6Hn)
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6 Horns

by J.S. Bach arranged by Kerry Turner

Born in 1685, no other composer has written more nor written more beautifully for the organ as Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750). Born into a family with a rich and long musical tradition , he was orphaned at the age of 9 and  raised for 6 years by his eldest brother before entering the Choir of the Michaeliskirche in Lüneburg for 2 years. It is here that he emerged as an organ virtuoso, laying the basis of his musical career.
The Toccatta and Fugue in D Minor is, perhaps, one of his most imposing and majestic works for organ. It has been transcribed for a wide range of instrumentations, from solo guitar to large orchestra (as in the Walt Disney Film “Fantasia”). Written in 1708 at the age of 23, the work is full of rich colors and sonorities, characteristics that are masterfully exploited in this arrangement for 6 horns by Kerry Turner.

 

Barbara Allen, (8Hn)
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8 Horns

by Kerry Turner

Recorded by the AHQ together with the Horn Section of the New York Philharmonic. Based on a Scottish Folk Song. Playable by advanced students. Check out the recording of this work: TAKE 9

Ghosts of Dublin (8Hn)
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8 Horns

by Kerry Turner

The Ghosts of Dublin for horn octet was commissioned in May of 2001, by the Alexander Horn Ensemble Japan. Mr. Turner has already composed two other horn octets entitled “Farewell to Red Castle” and “Barbara Allen”. Both of these pieces were based on folk songs from the British Isles. It was after a trip to Dublin in July of 2001, that Mr. Turner decided to base this work as well on folk songs and dances from that lively city. Indeed, the city of Dublin pulsates with music and dance. However it is not classical music which one encounters but music indigenous to the Irish. The composer was also fascinated by the history of the city. It seemed to him to be an integral part of the very life of the Irish. Strolling through the streets of Dublin, one cannot help but feel that he is walking in the footsteps of countless previous inhabitants. Thus was born the concept of the ghosts.
The composition: After a brief introduction comprising the various themes in the piece, we begin this melodic adventure with an original theme that Mr. Turner has called Baile Atha Cliath, which is the Irish name for Dublin. After establishing this as the main theme, the music takes a sharp turn as we encounter the first ghost - the ghost of Brian Born. A huge legend in Irish history, Brian Born recaptured (in 1014) the city of Dublin which had been in the hands of the Vikings for almost a hundred years. This section is at once bellicose and victorious. The next section is entitled "Insheer", named after the folk song on which it is based. This section serves as the lyrical development of the work. Following "Insheer" we at last arrive at the haunting section of the piece, which bears the work's name. Juxtaposed on top of a stopped sound cluster, we encounter various folk songs, each one representing a time period or actual person: Molly Malone, a jig of the composer's invention, She Moved Through the Fair and The Star of the County Down all float out of the ghostly texture of the stopped horns. Eventually we exit this particular section of the piece and embark upon an involved bridge section, which ultimately leads to a dramatic statement of the original theme (Baile Atha Cliath). The finale is entitled simply The Phantom Jig. It is a completion of the jig motive we hear in the middle section and with a series of haunting harmonies played in antiphonal style, the work draws to a close, but with a small "good-bye" from one of the more favorite ghosts.
The work was composed in Luxembourg from September 11th to the 24th 20001 and has a duration of approximately 7: 45.

- Kerry Turner

Check out this recording of this work: TAKE 9

Carmen Suite
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Horn Octet

by G. Bizet arranged by Kerry Turner

Carmen is probably the most popular opera of all times. It is the most performed of all operas, with a universal appeal that transcends cultures and generations. It has been the most filmed opera in history. Written in 1874 and first perfromed in 1875, the year of Bizet's death, it was harshly criticised and was not a success until after the composer's death. Bizet's masterly use of orchestral color heightens the dramatic pace and gives the whole opera an almost symphonic quality. The melodies are often uncomplicated and extremely engaging. Mr. Turner has captured all the charm and color of the original in this arrangement for Horn Octet. It is sure to please any audience as well as the musicians who perform it.
This arrangment has been recorded by the Berlin Philharmonic Horn Section.