Konzertstuck for Four Horns and Orchestra

Concertpiece for 4 Horns Orchestra in F major Movt 1., Op. 86 (Concertstück fur vier Horner und grosses Orchester) Movt 1 Lebhaft Robert Schumann (6/8/1810 – 7/29/1856) orchestrated by his wife Clara in 1849. The first movement is a sonata form entitled Lebhaft (German for lively). This is a rare showpiece for the horn, requiring four soloists rather than just one. Two full ensemble chords introduce the horn quartet. The word Konzertstück typically indicates a single, extended movement, but Schumann may have preferred the term because the movements of the piece are shorter than was typical of the concerto. This piece is noted for its expressive, lyrical quality and harmonic innovation.