Rhapsodic Variations for Solo Horn (2022)

This set of Variations is a comprehensive study of styles, rhythms, articulations, and techniques. When performed in its entirety is a major work for Solo Horn - equal in musical, dramatic, and technical challenge to many other works for Solo Horn—as well as works for orchestra and band - as performed by Professional and University Hornists. This work was commissioned by Nicholas Steffenhagen as a test composition for a research project for his Master's Degree at Illinois State University where he compared practice techniques of Professional and University Hornists. It is a set of variations for a virtuoso hornist - and could be used as a sequential set of studies for developing an advanced level of solo performance. I hope that all hornists enjoy studying and performing these Rhapsodic Variations! Grade: 5-6