This piece is a realization of Otto Nicolai’s first Horn Duet in F Major expanded for four horns.

ALL PROCEEDS from sales of this product go to the arranger, Richard Goldfaden.

Notes from the Arranger:

The Six Duets of Nicolai contain some wonderful, lyrical writing for the horn. They are a joy to play for both hornists; however, they always seem to sound somewhat empty. While many harmonies are implied, two horns just cannot cover them all. To solve this problem, I have transcribed these six pieces for four horns. In addition to filling out the harmonies, these transcriptions allow for less-taxing parts and eliminate some serious problems with page turns! The original first horn part is usually covered by either the first or third horn, while the original second horn part normally appears in the second or fourth part. This quartet consists of three movements which follow the typical pattern of Fast/Slow/Fast.

About the Arranger:

Richard Goldfaden currently is a member of the Horn section of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. Previously, he held positions in the Toledo Symphony Orchestra as well as several orchestras in Mexico City. For several years, he taught horn at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Michigan in 1978. He studied horn with Louis Stout and Eugene Wade.

Mr. Goldfaden is also a natural horn enthusiast. In this capacity, he was awarded Second Prize in the 1979 Heldenleben Horn Competition, Hand Horn division, and received the Award for Outstanding Musicianship from the Detroit Waldhorn Society. His instructor in the art of natural horn playing was Lowell Greer.

While in junior high school, Richard Goldfaden began composing brass quartets he could play with his friends. He continued writing numerous compositions and arrangements for various gatherings of musicians. Understandably, most of his works feature the horn. His music is often light hearted and usually traditional in its harmonies. His goal is to make every part interesting and fun to play, though this often makes them challenging. He has transcribed numerous orchestral masterpieces for large horn ensembles.