FANTASIE
This album is a exploration of repertoire for the trumpet and cornet, accompanied by my friend and Elmhurst University colleague, Linda Camp-Towner. Many of the pieces on this recording were originally written for the instrument, with the exception of Handel's Aria con Variazioni, which was originally written for the harpsichord. Many of the works assembled here are great options for players looking for repertoire for auditions, contests, and juries - see www.artofsoundmusic.com for my collection of editions. Enjoy the album!
FANTASIE
1. Fantasie Brilliante
Jean-Baptiste Arban
Arban was best known for his method, the Complete Conservatory Method for Trumpet, but he was also a cornet virtuoso. This piece, Fantasie Brilliante, is an original theme and variations work that can be found at the end of the method.
2. Andante et Allegro
Guilamme Balay
Balay wrote several competition pieces for the Paris Conservatoire. This piece is one of those works. Andante et Allegretto gives the performer the opportunity to showcase lyrical and technical ability.
3. Lake of Bays
Herbert L. Clarke
Clarke was the cornet soloist for the Sousa Band before going on to lead his own band. Lake of Bays is typical of the solo style at the time and features the technique of triple tonguing.
4. Ballad
R. Christopher Teichler
Ballad was commissioned from Dr. Teichler by Dr. O'Hara specifically to be accessible for high school age students to perform a lyrical work. This piece can also be performed with Wind Ensemble.
5. Andante et Allegro
Guy Ropartz
Ropartz was a French composer and poet. This piece is in a similar style to the works of Balay reflecting the style of the time, while this piece is specifically written for the trumpet as opposed to the cornet.
6. Petite Piece Concertante
Guilamme Balay
Another example of Balay's composition for the Paris Conservatoire, this piece also features lyrical and technical playing - this time in a more challenging key.
7. Maid of the Mist
Herbert L. Clarke
Maid of the Mists is inspired by a Iroquois/Seneca legend. In a similar vein to Lake of Bays, this piece features the skill of triple tonguing, but pushes the performer to higher level of this technique.
8. Aria con Variazioni
Georg Friedrick Handel
This piece is a transcription and adaptation of the Harmonious Blacksmith from Suite No. 5 in E major, HWV 430. Handel originally wrote this work for the harpsichord, and the adaptation challenges the performer through several variations of the theme.
9. Prelude et Ballade
Guilamme Balay
This work by Balay begins with a challenging lyrical and cadenza-like opening followed by a light-hearted faster section.
10. Concert Etude
Alexander Goedicke
Goedicke's Concert Etude is a standard of the trumpet repertoire. This fast-paced piece written by the Russian composer and pianist allows the performer to showcase their double tonguing technique.
11. Carnival of Venice
Herbert L. Clarke
Clarke's setting of the popular tune Carnival of Venice pushes the technical limits of the performer. Like Handel's Harmonious Blacksmith, this work is a theme and set of variations that increase in difficulty ending in a spectacular finale.
12. Slavische Fantasie
Carl Hohne
Hohne's Slavische Fantasie is a vrituoso showpiece for the cornet. Carl Hohne was a 19th century German composer and cornetist who wrote this work for cornet virtuoso Franz Werner in 1899. The piece opens with a cadenza-like opening and bounces between lyrical sections and blistering technical passages.
13. 'Tis the Last Rose of Summer
Traditional
The album closes with a slow and beautiful arrangement of the traditional Irish tune 'Tis The Last Rose of Summer. This work is dedicated to the memory of my father, Robert O'Hara, a good Irish lad.
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