On Playing the B-Minor Mass on YouTube

In response to a question about bad notes on a natural horn crook, both John and Dave have taken a crack at an answer. Behind-the-scenes we also heard from Brian Holmes a.k.a. the “Cabbage.” The initial question: My question is why a natural horn instrument with a certain crook might have a bad note. What is [...]

With the passage of more than a week it is good time to reflect a bit more on the event. Right off the top, my recital (presented jointly with Daniel Katzen) was among the best if not the best workshop performance I have ever given. And all from memory: the Schumann Dedication and the Fantasy [...]

The perils of the American symphony orchestra At Sarah Lutman amplified, the newly released book from Stanford Emeritus Professor Robert J. Flanagan, The Perilous Life of Symphony Orchestras, Artistic Triumphs and Economic Challenges is reviewed. Specifically, Flanagan looks at paths orchestras could take to arrive at a stronger operating platform.  He examines historical trends and [...]

Back in November, John Ericson answered a question about “wolf” notes on a natural horn crook. Here is the question once again, but answered by our contributing writer Dave Weiner. * * * Pierre-Antoine asks: My question is why a natural horn instrument with a certain crook might have a bad note. What is the [...]

At the Southwest Horn Conference (SWHC) a variety of Kruspe and Geyer type horns were available to try out. I currently play on a hybrid Geyer-wrap horn and not wanting to miss out on playing some great Kruspe-wrap horns, I came prepared with an agenda. This agenda began with a pocket full of mouthpieces. Bring more [...]

Of all the memories of the recent Southwest Horn Conference, one of the strongest will be performing the Schumann Konzertstuck for four horns and orchestra as a soloist with a truly stellar group of soloists. It had a bit different flavor from that seen at other workshops, as all of the soloists are presently full time [...]