Stephenson – Burden of Destiny

Title The Burden of Destiny For Bb or C trumpet and piano By James Stephenson Biographical Info Burden of Destiny was written for Chris Martin, the principal trumpet of the Chicago Symphony.  James Stephenson relocated to Chicago about the same time as Chris’ appointment and wanted to write a relatively serious piece that would represent the new Chicago ties both of them now have.  Much…

Hovhaness – Prayer of St. Gregory

Title Prayer of St. Gregory By Alan Hovhaness, op. 62b Peer International Ed. Biographical Info Alan Hovhaness, of Armenian and Scottish descent, was born in Somerville, Massachusetts, on March 8, 1911. He began composing as soon as he could read music, at the age of four - a spontaneous act which seems to have had about it the inevitability of an unquestioned law of nature.  His output…

Bozza – Rustiques

Title Rustiques for Cornet in Bb or Trumpet in C or Bb and Piano by Eugène Bozza Biographical Info Eugène Bozza (1905-1991) has been for many decades not only one of France’s most prolific composers but, like Hindemith and Stevens, a great boon to woodwind and brass players.  His hundreds of solo and recital works have involved virtually every known instrument and instrumental…