Nightcalls (2015, Rev. 2020)

General Information

Movements:
I. (solemn and ominous)
II. (gentle and lulling)
III. (intense)

Commissioner: David Sacks
Written: September – November, 2015. Most recent revision: July 2020.
Duration: ca. 18’
Instrumentation: hn + pf

Program Note

Nightcalls holds a great degree of emotional significance for me. It represents many 'firsts' in my body of work. It was my first multi-movement work. It was my first work for horn. Most importantly, it was the first piece I ever wrote that I was truly proud of: for that reason, it is the piece I consider my 'opus one'.

The work is in three movements and mirrors the form of a traditional sonata. The first movement contrasts a dark and declarative motive with a quick and turbulent one, ending in a short moment of jubilation before its dramatic closing. The second movement is a theme and variations on a long and languorous melody over a lulling accompaniment in the piano. Finally, the third movement is a vigorous and rapid ending to the piece, presenting new material as well as restating themes from the first and second movements.

Recording available upon request. Please use the contact form linked in the menu above, or email me at ben.beckman@yale.edu.