Ursula Paludan Monberg, a Danish horn virtuoso, presents a captivating exploration of the natural horn's evolution through her album "The Early Horn: Telemann, Graun, Haydn & Mozart." Released on Hyperion in February 2020, this 79-minute recital showcases her mastery of the valve-less horn, offering a journey through the works of prominent composers from the 18th century.
The album begins and ends with the Mozarts—Leopold and Wolfgang Amadeus—bookending a diverse collection of pieces that highlight the natural horn's development. Paludan Monberg's virtuosic performance includes works by Carl Heinrich Graun, Joseph Haydn, and Georg Philipp Telemann, providing a comprehensive overview of the instrument's capabilities and the composers' ingenuity.
The tracklist features a mix of sinfonias, concertos, trios, and divertimentos, demonstrating the natural horn's versatility. Notable pieces include Telemann's "Concerto a 3 in F Major," Haydn's "Divertimento a 3," and Mozart's "Horn Quintet in E-Flat Major." Each composition is performed with precision and passion, showcasing Paludan Monberg's technical prowess and musical sensitivity.
This album is a testament to Ursula Paludan Monberg's dedication to her craft and her deep understanding of the natural horn. It offers both seasoned classical music enthusiasts and newcomers to the genre an opportunity to appreciate the rich history and evolution of this remarkable instrument.
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