Description

Kum Ba Ya Variations – French Horn Quartet – Hall – Ludwig Masters Publications, Inc. – WSMA Solo & Ensemble

This Horn Quartet was made at the request of Cindy Heidelbaugh, Lexington Schools, Ohio who wanted a quartet avoiding the high range of the instrument. The first horn part does not venture above 4th space E. However, the 4th horn frequently goes down to F below the staff. Even though band music rarely goes down to low F, having your students playing in that range is not difficult and is great for the embouchure. Orchestra music of course uses the range much lower than F. “Kum ba Yah” is a well known song making this quartet fun to play. The theme is simply stated in F major and then followed by variations, first as a Viennese waltz, and next as a melancholy ballad in d minor, and ending with a dramatic processional march in G major. This quartet offers and excellent ensemble experience for developing horn players. In Ohio it is also on the Horn Choir list. OMEA Class: C