Preludes for the Four Seasons, for unaccompanied horn

by Robert Palmer

$15

Preludes for the Four Seasons  is meant to capture the visual imagery associated with the different seasons of the year.  Drawing on Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” for inspiration, the composer uses small motives that drive each of those four movements.  To contrast Vivaldi’s short motivic fragments, parts of Chopin’s piano preludes in F and B-flat minor were woven in, allowing an expressive and rubato style in each movement, enhancing the imagery of each season. The four movements may be played in alternate orders for performance, the composer suggesting the combinations Autumn/Winter/Spring/Summer, Autumn/Spring/Winter/Summer, or Summer/Autumn/Winter/Spring as having the best effect.
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Performance time: 
Appropriate for recitals and chamber settings.