Variations on a Gregorian Chant

Variations on a Gregorian Chant First performance edition of an orignal sketch, for 4-part horn choir - score 4 p. & parts. Around 1790, Ludwig van Beethoven extensively sketched harmonic variations on the Gregorian melody sung on Good Friday during the Lamentations of Jeremiah. This melody also forms the basis of the middle section of the Rondo from Mozarts first horn concerto, K. 412, which was completed posthumously by his final pupil, Franz Xaver Süssmayr, on Good Friday, April 6, 1792. The theme is well-known to all horn players, which prompted Herman Jeurissen to elaborate the sketches for a four-part horn ensemble. What distinguishes Beethovens version is his unique approach to harmonise each reciting note in a different way, bringing the melody into a new light each time. In addition to beautiful music for solemn occasions, this work also provides an excellent intonation study for any horn ensemble. In the world of horn and brass ensemble music from the 18th and 19th centuries, original high-quality ensemble repertoire appears to be scarce. Additionally, students and advanced amateurs are rarely given the opportunity to perform important Romantic symphonic works by Bruckner, Mahler etc. and Wagners great operas in their original versions. Orchestral part studies with only the original parts, and above all, a lot of rest are not always inspiring. For this reason, throughout his extensive career as a horn pedagogue, Herman Jeurissen wrote a considerable number of arrangements. These include shorter compositions by the great masters, allowing for an accessible introduction to their style and writing.