Duo no. 1 for two horns, KV 487: Allegro

About this work

Duet no. 1 in B-flat major, K. 487 draws its energy from a constant exchange between the two horns. After a short shared upbeat, the upper part launches the quickest figures while the second answers, supports the harmony and then takes up the motion in turn. The piece is concise, yet its repeats demand a very steady pulse.
An Allegro for equal partners
Begin with shared attacks and cadences: they establish secure tuning before the semiquaver passages are added. During the exchanges, the accompanying line should stay present without covering the leading motif. Repeated notes sound clearest when both players agree on their length and articulation.
The one-page PDF contains the complete duet and its repeats. The MIDI file helps locate entries, answers and the continuity of the tempo. This engraving by Han-Wen Nienhuys is provided by the Mutopia Project and is in the public domain. Find more horn music on LesPartitions.info.