James Sommerville

Bounce world première – “full of suspense and mystery”.
Penelope Cookson, WMCT Artist Selection Committee member shares her views of Sommerville concert.

James Sommerville presented an outstanding concert in Walter Hall for Music in the Afternoon Nov. 24. The French horn is not often featured in recital, and this was a marvellous opportunity to hear the instrument masterfully played in an intimate setting. Sommerville was accompanied by Peter Longworth, piano, and violinist Scott St. John joined them for two of the works.

From the moment Somerville played his first notes, we knew we were in for a wonderful afternoon.

The concert opened with Villanelle by Paul Dukas, which was designed as an examination piece for the Paris Conservatory. The horn is often considered one of the hardest instruments to play, but in this first piece we were introduced to what the instrument sounds like in the hands of a master. The Villanelle was followed by three of Charles Gounod’s Six Mélodies: Larghetto, Andantino, and Andante sostenuto. Longworth and Sommerville collaborated magnificently in both these opening works.
The French horn evolved over time from the hunting horn, and has a haunting quality, often used in repertoire to suggest the hunt or to call attention in melancholic way. The third work, commissioned by the WMCT was the World Première of Bounce created by Canadian composer Vivian Fung.

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“Outstanding concert”… James SommervilleRead More »

Vivian Fung World Première – WMCT Commission

Hear the world première of Bounce a new horn Trio written by Canadian composer Vivian Fung. Inspired by Fung’s 9-month-old son Julian, it will be premièred by James Sommerville, French horn, Scott St. John, violin and Peter Longworth, piano at the Nov. 24th concert.
It’s a WMCT commission.

Meet the composer:   Vivian Fung will attend the world première.

More information about Bounce