New at Noon: October 1, 2025

This recording is inspired by Margaret Tung’s decade long project of commissioning horn solos by various composers, highlighting diverse composers, in an effort to bring more new music to the horn repertoire. There are four pieces on this album that she commissioned in addition to two solo pieces that have become a staple in her own solo repertoire. The music is energetic, playful, and hopeful.

GENRE: Classical, Horn, Chamber
COMPOSERS: John Cheetham, Alice Gomez, Frank Gulino, Jeff Scott, and James Wilding

“Sonata for Horn and Piano” by John Cheetham is 3 movement work: I. Allegro Eroico, II. Andante, and III. Giovale.  The sonata is idiomatic to the horn and captures the joy of Cheetham’s compositions. The sonata was commissioned by Margaret Tung in 2016 (premiere recording).

“Ondas for Solo Horn” by Jeff Scott in an unaccompanied horn solo that is virtuosic and includes many extended techniques of the horn including multiphonics, flutter tongue, and stopped horn. In Brazilian Portuguese, Ondas translates to waves, which is reflective in the musical depections of piece. This was commissioned for Margaret Tung in 2022 (premiere recording).

“Ursa” for horn and piano by James Wilding was written for Margaret Tung in 2015 and is a whimsical two movement piece depicting a mother bear in the first movement and a bear cub in the second movement. (premiere recording).

“La Calavera” for unaccompanied horn by Alice Gomez is a story into Mexican culture. La calavera is a skull with crossbones; Tung was inspired by the vibrant and quirky imagery from the Disney and Pixar movie, “Coco” to draw the musical vision for this piece. La Calavera was composed in 2000. This is the first album recording of this piece

“Tales Untold” for horn and piano by Frank Gulino is a sweeping contemporary piece with memorable melodies. There is a mysterious and regal quality to the piece. It was written in 2019.

“The View from My Window” for horn, trombone, and piano by Jeff Scott is a beautiful composition that brings hope, escape, and courage to the meaning of the piece. This piece was inspired by Margaret Tung’s love of playing chamber music with her husband, Joseph Rodriguez, who is the trombonist in this recording. This was commissioned for Margaret Tung in 2022 (premiere recording).