Back ArrowOpus Tour Forward Arrow
The musical compositions of Richard Burdick

Opus 74:
Horn Concerto #2, opus 74
Written 1992
This was described by the composer as "sort of Latin; with a salsa influence" thus it's name Salsa (coinage inspired by Philip Myers).
The solo horn part contains no multi-phonics and has a range from pedal G to high C# (in F), and it seems very difficult; thus the title Concerto is correct.

The first movement is highlighted by the "off" rhythm which Brahms uses in his third symphony, and it seems is always difficult.

Richard Burdick's Horn Concerto #2 m.1-1Richard Burdick's Horn Concerto #2 m.1-2

This is scored for Solo Horn, Three percussionists and Strings.

This recording was done in February 2009.
It's just a demo, Richard Burdick playing along with the midi output of his music notation program; just a sample of the work.

 

The second movement contain a quote from the song "Blow the Man Down" so It has gained the title "Blow the horn down blues."

Richard Burdick's Horn Concerto #2 m.2-1 Richard Burdick's Horn Concerto #2 m.2-2

This is scored for solo horn with harp, three percussionists and strings.

 

The third movement is sort of an oriental sounding piece,
especially in this horn and tape version.

Richard Burdick's Horn Concerto #2 m.3-1Richard Burdick's Horn Concerto #2 m.3-2

 

This is scored for Solo Horn, Harp, Clarinet, 3 pecussionists and strings

 

 
 

Theoretically, the composer uses bi-modality, that is, he develops two different modes in the individual movement. This can be seen easily in the contrast between the opening parts in the Marimba and Xylophone, who each are playing in different modes cadencing on e or f the second movement is bases around b & c modes and the third is based around e & f again and can be seen clearly with the opening statement of E - F# & F - G, which is 1st & 2nd tones of the different modes.