ALUN HODDINOTT (1929-2008): Horn Concerto, Op. 69 (Barry Tuckwell [horn], Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; Andrew Davis. Rec. 1973 Decca), HUMPHREY SEARLE (1915-1982): Aubade for Horn and Strings, Op. 28 (Argo 1974), DON BANKS (1923-1980): Horn Concerto (both Tuckwell [horn], New Philharmonia Orchestra; Norman Del Mar), NICHOLAS MAW (b.1935): Sonata for Strings and 2 Horns (Alan Civil, Ian Harper [horns], English Chamber Orchestra; Del Mar (Argo 1971).

Description: Hoddinott's brief but substantial concerto consists of an evocative, impassioned opening movement, followed by an energetic scherzo in which the soloist plays dramatic sweeping phrases over the scurrying orchestra. The unusual finale largely consists of a solo cadenza, in which the horn is finally given full expressive rein in an extended rhapsody. Searle's Aubade is a richly romantic tone poem in three sections, slow-fast-slow, its serial underpinnings secondary to its marvellously atmospheric writing for both soloist and ensemble. The Banks is in one movement, but falls into eight clearly delineate sections, each highlighting a technical or expressive characteristic of the horn. Bold and colorful, for a large orchestra including a substantial percussion section, the work is almost as much a concerto for orchestra as for the soloist. Maw's tightly organized sonata opens mysteriously, with a suggestion of suppressed energy, which manifests in increasing rhythmic vitality and complexity as the work progresses.