Concerto for Two Horns and Orchestra

This concerto for two horns and orchestra is a 25-minute work for two virtuoso horn players and full-size orchestra. The work draws on images of the Rocky Mountains and Western United States. Three movements depict a mountain ascent, lonely calls between the mountain tops, and a majestic fanfare celebrating the grandeur of these geologic features. The first movement features a slowly ascending melody shared between the soloists and orchestra. As the melody rises, it gathers momentum and rhythmic intensity. A persistent ostinato continues to drive the music forward as the melody ascends. Once reaching its climactic height, the clouds above usher in a peaceful serenity. The second movement features two horns reaching across lonely mountain tops. The soloists call to each other with motives reminiscent of the opening melody. These calls grow into full cadenzas between the now connected horns. The orchestra provides an ever-growing layer of clouds and mist, obscuring the two lonely soloists. The final movement is an exuberant celebration of these mountainous peaks. It begins with a celebratory fanfare growing out of the lonely calls. The music returns to the grandeur of the opening melody, mixed with driving rhythms and massive sound.

Name thesis:degree_name

D.M.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Music Composition (UMKC)

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Missouri--Kansas City

Year dc:date.issued

2018

Author dc:creator

• Morel, Daniel Eric

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Mobberley, James

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10355/64165

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:mospace.umsystem.edu:10355/64165