Content area
This project examines two early works written for horn and fixed media: Hildegard Westerkamp’s Fantasie for Horns II (1979) and Janet Beat’s Hunting Horns are Memories (1977). It also addresses the historical context of musique concrète regarding horn and electronics, the technical and interpretive challenges presented in both works, and the process of recording pieces for horn and electronics in a large venue. Westerkamp and Beat explore the theme of familiarity in their pieces by sourcing sound material from their individual surroundings.
Hildegard Westerkamp (b.1946) incorporated sound material from boat horns, foghorns, train horns, and other sources from Canada's Pacific and Atlantic coasts into the electronic component of Fantasie for Horns II. Her detailed notes to the performer provide clear instructions for an immersive performance. This includes interacting with the electronics on a musically expressive level, imitating fog and boat horns, and embodying the style of a swiss alphorn. With these mixed interactions, the goal of this new recording is to evoke spatial awareness and landscape.
Janet Beat (b.1937) uses radio frequencies, crackles, and distortions throughout Huntings Horns are Memories that cultivate a nostalgic soundscape. Recognizing that Beat is a French horn player, the majority of sounds heard on the tape are from the French horn itself. Featuring distorted versions of popular orchestral excerpts, valve rattling, condensation popping, and other mechanical horn sounds. Beyond the electronic elements, some technical challenges in the solo horn part include microtonality, an extended technique that horn players rarely encounter in contemporary repertoire. This study will rely solely on the score to determine the musical interpretation, relationship with the electroacoustics, and execution of extended technique passages.
Documenting the recording process entails spatial considerations, equipment, and post-production decisions. Alongside analyzing the unique challenges presented in each work, this project aims to contribute to research on early music for horn and fixed media.