Picturesque (Horn Octet)

Premiered at the 2024 Mid-South Horn Workshop hosted by Lanette Lopéz-Compton at Oklahoma State University. Performed by various top students from all over the region and conducted by Steven Cohen.

Duration: 8 minutes

"Picturesque" is a musical depiction of two contrasting landscapes on the American prairie, portraying the tranquil beauty of a sunrise on the prairie and the wild, untamed wilderness that stretches beyond.

I. Serene Prairie:

The first movement presents a scene of a serene prairie at sunrise. The gentle awakening of the day is conveyed through lush harmonies and subtle movements, teetering on the brink of absolute stillness. Solo lines evoke the awakening of wildlife, existing in their distinct realms yet harmoniously contributing to the larger world. The music ebbs and flows, mirroring the awakening and transformation of the landscape with each new creature. As the sun ascends, the atmosphere becomes vibrant with jubilant sounds, capturing the essence of a lively world. At last, the sun has risen, and glorious harmony envelops everything, bringing the landscape to life. The movement gently concludes, gradually slowing down to symbolize the tranquil conclusion of the day.

II. Wild Beyond:

The second movement vividly depicts the wild and untamed essence of the 'beyond', where wildlife and nature unfold in unpredictable and sometimes wondrous, yet also potentially terrifying, scenes. It begins with a continuous, rhythmic motor that runs throughout the majority of the movement. Navigating through unforeseen twists and turns in both melody and harmony, this movement crafts an uneasy atmosphere that mirrors the inherent uncertainty of the wild 'beyond'. A brief return of a section from the first movement introduces an intriguing question – is there an element of predictability in the wild, or does unpredictability persist? Following a deceptive resolution, the rhythmic motors make a return, bringing the movement to a compelling conclusion.Fueled by rhythmic intensity and harmonic drive, this movement captures the raw and untamed spirit of the wild 'beyond'.