Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

The American Horn Quartet is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences around the world for over three decades. The quartet is composed of four talented horn players, all of whom are accomplished musicians in their own right. The ensemble has gained a reputation for their virtuosic performances, innovative programming, and dedication to promoting the horn as a solo and chamber music instrument. The American Horn Quartet was founded in 1982 by four horn players who were all members of the United States Marine Band. The founding members were Froydis Ree Wekre, Kendall Betts, Douglas Hill, and Kristina Mascher-Turner. The quartet was formed with the goal of exploring the possibilities of the horn as a chamber music instrument and promoting the horn as a solo instrument in its own right. The quartet quickly gained recognition for their innovative programming and virtuosic performances. They performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe, and quickly became one of the most sought-after chamber music ensembles in the world. The quartet's unique sound, which blended the four horns into a seamless and harmonious whole, was praised by critics and audiences alike. Over the years, the American Horn Quartet has undergone several personnel changes. The current members of the quartet are Andrew Pelletier, Kerry Turner, David Jolley, and Kristina Mascher-Turner. All four members are accomplished horn players with extensive experience as soloists and chamber musicians. The American Horn Quartet has performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and music festivals. They have appeared at the Berlin Philharmonic, the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, among many others. They have also been featured on numerous radio and television broadcasts, including NPR's "Performance Today" and the BBC's "In Tune." The quartet has recorded several albums, including "The Horns of Plenty," "The American Horn Quartet Plays Schumann," and "The American Horn Quartet Plays the Music of Kerry Turner." Their recordings have received critical acclaim and have been praised for their technical precision, musicality, and innovative programming. In addition to their performances and recordings, the American Horn Quartet is dedicated to promoting the horn as a solo and chamber music instrument. They have commissioned numerous works for horn quartet, including pieces by composers such as Gunther Schuller, Joan Tower, and Kerry Turner. They have also published several books on horn technique and pedagogy, including "The Art of Horn Playing" and "The Hornist's Nest." The American Horn Quartet has received numerous awards and accolades throughout their career. They were awarded the prestigious Prix de la Fondation de France in 1990, and were named "Musicians of the Year" by the International Horn Society in 1991. They have also been awarded grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Aaron Copland Fund for Music. In conclusion, the American Horn Quartet is a world-renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences for over three decades. Their innovative programming, virtuosic performances, and dedication to promoting the horn as a solo and chamber music instrument have made them one of the most respected and sought-after chamber music ensembles in the world.

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