This is a varied and exciting programme, evoking many of the horn’s different qualities from its hunting ancestry to its beautiful lyricism. The programme ranges from classics of the horn’s romantic repertoire to some new works and less familiar favourites. It opens with the much loved and iconic Beethoven Horn Sonata. Aria, written by composer and pianist Alex Woolf for Alexei Watkins in 2017 precedes Messiaen’s atmospheric Appel Interstellaire, which creates a special and unique sound-world. The recital finishes with two relatively unknown but romantic gems of the horn repertoire in Richard Strauss’ Andante and Gilbert Vinter’s Hunter’s Moon.

Ludwig van Beethoven

Horn Sonata, Op. 17

Alex Woolf  (b. 1995)

Aria (2017)

Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992)

Appel Interstellaire for Solo Horn

Richard Strauss (1864-1949)

Andante for Horn and Piano, Op. posthumous

Gilbert Vinter  (1909-1969)

Hunter's Moon