My Horn suite, a long term project commissioned by acclaimed young horn player, Jacob Adams (Joint Principal of NYO) was brought into sparkling fruition on the 25th of March 2026.
From the very first movement, Toccata, it was clear that the packed audience of Carole Nash Hall would be treated to outstanding playing. The pianist, Evan Watkinson opened boldly, an energy matched by Jacob Adams throughout- driving each other to feats of virtuosity.
The second movement, Bouree was brilliantly sarcastic and cheeky, bringing smiles to not just the audience but to the page turner, Luke, an outstanding composer in his own right. He was very complimentary afterwards, commenting, 'such an amazing piece written by an incredible composer and performed by wonderful musicians.'
It wasn't just the loud stuff that was performed excellently, the more delicate third and fourth movements were treated tenderly, a particular highlight being Jacob's clear and rich multiphonics in the allemande.
Not even two phone-drops could spoil the stillness of the fifth movement, the surprisingly tonal Sarabande. Evan asked me in the compositional process to write a completely tonal movement as a contrast to the bitonality and tongue-in-cheek dissonance which pervades the rest of the piece. Whilst not entirely tonal, this movement preserves a Howells-esque approach to consonant but non-functional harmony.
The Gigue signalled a return to the previous harmonic world. Intentionally naïve, it provided an apt ending.
It is always wonderful to hear your work performed by outstanding musicians, especially when these musicians are your friends and play an active role in the compositional process.
My thanks to Jacob and Evan.
Stephen
From left to right: Evan Watkinson, Stephen Frith, Jacob Adams
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