The first movement of the concerto begins with the distant pealing of the Angelus Bell, while the horn joins in, sending calls and signals to complete the picture.
 
This is followed by The Battle of the Trees, suggested by the famous Celtic poem of that name, which describes groves of trees transforming themselves into warriors and led in battle by the brave oak.  The horn enters the fray, as the percussion section creates sounds of trunks, branches and twigs all colliding in the struggle.
 
Nostalgia has been described as “laundered memory” but our modern horn and oboe possess the power to produce it truly.  They conjoin to “dream backward” of a pristine glen in the third movement, Pastorale. 
 
In The Hunt, the horn plays its traditional role, getting the blood up, exhilarating the spirit and animating the chase.  
 
Finally in Nocturne, the day’s end grants repose, and a simple song is offered, granting closure to listeners.  

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Duration: 25 minutes
Premiere Date: 2003