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Ben Goldscheider & Philip Dawson: Horn & Electronics

Ben Goldscheider, the sought-after french horn player, presents a programme designed to smash all preconceptions about the instrument.

It features three world premieres, by Zoe Martlew, Mark Simpson and Thea Musgrove, along with innovative works which combine the horn’s noble and heroic sound with live and fixed electronics.

In Alex Groves’ Single Form (Dawn), the instrument’s harmonic series is extrapolated, layered and intensified creating a sonic sunrise spanning three octaves.

Hildegard Westerkamp’s Fantasie for Horns II pitches the live instrument into a conversation with pre-recorded car and boat horns, along with alphorns and natural phenomena that connect the instrument to its roots.

Goldscheider says: ‘I am personally fascinated by the speed of the technology and how, in surround sound, the eyes and the ears begin to deceive one another as the live horn playing intertwines with the electronics.

‘This programme aims to stimulate, to broaden perspectives and allow a glimpse into relatively unknown territory with the instrument that Robert Schumann calls “the soul of the orchestra”.’

Performers

Ben Goldscheider horn

Philip Dawson live electronics

Repertoire

Alex Groves: Single Form (Dawn) for horn & live electronics

Zoë Martlew: Nibiru for horn & live electronics

Hildegard Westerkamp: Fantasie for horns II

Mark Simpson: Darkness Moves II for horn & live electronics

Thea Musgrave: Golden Echo III for horn & live electronics

Need to know

Age guidance
For ages 7+

For your visit

This event is held at the Purcell Room Southbank Centre

The Purcell Room is located in the Queen Elizabeth Hall, which is open from 90 minutes before events start until they finish. It’s closed at all other times.