This release collects a variety of Turner's chamber works for the horn -- solo horn, horn duets, and horn with piano.
Turner writes in tonal style, often using modal harmonies and scales. His music usually features a strong rhythmic pulse, often with syncopation. For me, though, the real interest is in what Turner does with the horn.
As a performer, he's intimately familiar with the possibilities of the instrument. And while there's plenty of technical challenges, they're always in service of the music. The end result is music that is immediately appealing, and often thrilling.
Not only does Turner know his instrument, but he also knows his performers. Candles in the Darkness, for example, was composed for Kristina Marscher-Turner, who performs it here. And she sounds great.
The Suite for Unaccompanied Horn was written as a jury piece for a competition -- a competition that Turner judged. He performs the work on this release, showing one and all how it's supposed to sound. I don't play the horn, but I heard quite a few of the traps Turner built in the piece, such as extreme and sudden register leaps.
One of the most beautiful works on the album (I think), is the Chaconne for 3 horns. Turner and his wife are joined by Frank Lloyd. According to the liner notes, Kerry wanted to write a piece "with every possible sound and color available on the horn."
He succeeded. But as with all of his music, the technical challenges aren't problems to solve. They're integrated into the work, and their successful execution simply furthers the beauty of the music.
For horn players, this release will be a must-have. But I recommend it to anyone who's interested in quality chamber music. You will not be disappointed.
Kerry Turner: Complete Works for Horn, Vol. 1
Kerry Turner, Kristina Mascher-Turner and Frank Lloyd, Horns
Lauretta Bloomer, Piano
Naxos 8l579050
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