Hugh Wood

Horn Trio Op. 29

This work was written between 1987 and 1989, it consists of two movements and the composition takes the form of a presentation of contrasting blocks, they start in their shortest, simplest form and then are juxtaposed with each other, followed by an expansion and development independent of each other.
The initial block is for all three instruments with a fan-fare like figure on the horn producing a reoccuring theme. The lyrical block has a sustained tune played in the high register of the violin with bass notes on the piano. The third block is a contrapuntal one which sees the first appearance of a tapping motif with the fourth block providing a chordal piano solo. These sections then expanded and developed with themes repeated on different instruments.
The final movement of the piece presents three fugatos preceded by a fan-fare like introduction interspersed with rhythmic, non-contrapuntal episodes, each fugato is led separately by horn, violin and piano. This composition is dedicated to Ingrid Lunt. Work for Horn, Violin and Piano. Written in fulfilment of the Koussevitzky Foundation Award.