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Composing for the Alphorn Range See here for written range. Alphorn is written in C in the treble clef, traditionally sounding in F#. [P8 + d5 below written pitch.] Mike also has extensions for sounding in F and G natural, and A flat. It takes 15 to 20 seconds to change extensions. Tempo Top speed at quarter note = 120 m.m. for sixteenths. This is for repeated notes and small intervallic and stepwise leaps. Larger intervals [4ths+] need more time. Traditionally the sound is slow, with diminuendos and pauses for echoes at the ends of phrases. North American repertoire [a fair deal of which Mike has been soliciting & commissioning] doesn’t usually incorporate these fermatas, since the traditional out-of-door setting and heritage is typically lacking. Articulations Slurred, tongued, combinations all fine; tradition tends to pass on forceful, abrupt entries; gentle breath attacks very common. Dynamics High range is more difficult to get pp -- as with any horn. Mid-range is most comfortable. The fundamental needs preparation time; it’s rarely used in traditional repertoire. The first harmonic / second partial [often used at the ends of phrases] and second harmonic / third partial are solid and common. Time held in this range is 3 to 5 seconds at ff. It is important to remember that the Alphorn is not generally designed to play pp on a regular basis -- it is designed to carry the sound for miles and miles over open mountain ranges -- and it does! The direct sound that comes out of the bell is generally pointing to the audience in a concert hall. [princeton folks: we'll be outside. -t.] This is a different sound than that of the sound carrying over mountains -- "sweetened by distance". Intervallic relationships The Alphorn is a natural instrument with natural tuning. Mike's instrument, a Gerald Pot hand-crafted instrument, is very precisely tuned to A 440. The orchestra must tune to the horn. Very important: the seventh partial, written Bb, middle line treble clef, is a lowered 7th -- it sounds flat [as it should]. Also, the Alphorn FA, the 11th partial, written F#, top line treble clef, is a raised 4th leading to the G [written]: in the key of F# it sounds in-between B natural and C natural; it is a very distinct sound. These notes are obviously not out of tune but part of a natural tuning which western music has trained musicians to think is out of tune! [just intonation junkies can come back now. -t.] Durations Low-range 3 to 5 seconds with crescendo. It takes a great deal of air. Fundamental has a very interesting raspy timbre; it's a good pitch -- just a different timbre. Mid- to high-range all fine -- breathing similar to trombone. Mid-range, solid 20 to 25 seconds; of course, playing at ff that'll be less. High-range, 15 seconds. Generally, written music doesn't go above the written G above the treble clef. A three octave + a fifth range. After staying in the high-range for a while, a rest is welcome. Idiosyncrasies Timbre is much warmer than brass sounds. See Intervallic relationships section: Bb & Alphorn FA very distinctive! Staying power Mike has performed solo pieces of 10 to 15 minutes, and done solo recitals of one hour with a 15 minute break. The Alphorn is extremely tiring -- more so than brass instruments. Because all notes must be produced with the lips with no assistance from valves, it takes a great deal of control.
for more info., please email me or mike...
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