A WANDERING VOICE by Elaine M. Ross

INSTRUMENTATION: Horn and Piano
PUBLISHER: 2003, Elaine M. Ross
COST: ~$16.00
CAN BE FOUND ON IMSLP: No
YOUTUBE:
SPOTIFY:
iTUNES: There is a recording with Elaine Ross and Jerry Peel but it is not commercially available.
GRADE/DIFFICULTY (1 easy, 6 very difficult): 5.0
EXTENDED TECHNIQUES: none

Dr. Elaine M. Ross is currently on faculty with the University of Ohio teaching music theory and composition. Her compositions have been featured with the Society of Music Composers, College Music Society, and Music Educators Association conferences. Notable compositions include: Canyons for wind quintet, Neon Fanfare for trumpet ensemble, The Presence for choir, Moonstruck for percussion ensemble, and Wildfire for band.

A Wandering Voice was written for hornist Jerry Peel, retired professor of horn at the University of Miami. Peel was also an active member of the Hollywood recording studios appearing on several popular motion picture soundtracks. The piece is presented in three movements accompanied by a representative poem displaying an subconscious journey traveling through three states of mind culminating in an “awakening” of beauty and hidden dreams.

Movement 1: Searching
The first movement is a cautions and mysterious journey filled with unsure footing, complicated decisions, and fear.

LENGTH: 70 measures, approx. 7m00s
EXTENDED TECHNIQUES: none
RANGE (horn pitch):

Movement 2: Primitive Chatter
The second movement is a brutal and incessant ride mixing the raw, primitive use of the hunting horn with the hemiola rhythmic patterns of determined, hunting tribesmen.

LENGTH: 194 measures, approx. 3m30s
EXTENDED TECHNIQUES: none
RANGE (horn pitch):

Movement 3: Awakening
This movement requires a tranquil approach due to its intense lyricism and soaring melodic textures. This movement is by far the most expressive of the three and requires an immense amount of flexibility and range. This piece would work as a stand alone “slow tune” on your retical program.

LENGTH: 98 measures, approx. 6m30s
EXTENDED TECHNIQUES: none
RANGE (horn pitch):