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premiered by Thomas Yamada, horn and Hannah Yi, piano on October 25, 2024
This piece was never meant to be written. After writing my first horn sonata in the summer of 2022, I thought it would be enough to stand on its own as my featured horn composition as part of my senior recital; however, as time passed, I grew indifferent to it. I knew I wanted to create something “better”.
This work could serve as the last piece I play as a solo horn player, marking what seems to be the pinnacle of my horn-playing journey that began in 5th grade when I was nine. This instrument has had me muttering under my breath so many times, but simultaneously has been so fulfilling. If it weren’t for my early love of the horn, I wouldn’t be going down the road of composition, and music in general, that I am now.
I believe your first teachers are so consequential on an individual’s passion for anything in life, so this piece is dedicated to my two horn teachers, Dennis Nagamine (5th-12th grade) & Jenny Kim (Chapman University Undergrad), who have guided me on this unforgiving yet gratifying instrument for the past twelve years.
Thomas Yamada
August 2, 2024