Elisa Koehler, reporter

ITG Board Member Brian Evans introduced the performance by telling those in the audience unfamiliar with the corno da caccia that they were in for “a treasure trove of wonderful music and unusual sounds.” How right he was. Darker than a flugelhorn yet lighter than a French horn, the corno da caccia defies easy categorization. In its modern form it resembles a large-bell posthorn with rotary valves (pitched in B-flat or A) and is played with a mouthpiece similar to that of a Flugelhorn.

Michael Tunnell and Arthur Vanderhoeft transported the audience back to the 18th century with a concert of primarily preclassical repertoire. Empfindsamkeit [sentimentality] and style galante were much in evidence throughout the late morning program. Performing solos and duets as well as ensemble works, Tunnel and Vanderhoeft treated the audience to a souflee of sonorous sound.

Performing together on Vivaldi's Concerto for 2 Corni in F, Vanderfhoeft (on first) and Tunnell (playing second) displayed impeccable intonation and enviable control. The second movement “Larghetto” was a particular highlight as its caressing siciliano wafted throughout the auditorium. Organist Nancy Rollins provided able accompaniment. Tunnell performed as soloist for Christoph Forster's Concerto No. 2 in E-flat. In addition to his brilliant lip trills, his passagework dazzled with sparkling elegance. The aching melancholy of the central slow movement was captivating.

Vanderhoeft was the featured soloist for the Concerto in E-flat of Johannes Sperger. His luxurious soft playing was almost too beautiful for words. While Vanderhoeft's playing was remarkable, the composition's lack of imaginative development and expressive dissonance made the piece seem overlong. Tunnell returned for the Concerto for 2 Corni in F by Johann Heinichen. The bright virtuosity of the first movement was reminiscent of Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 1.

Matthias Hoefs, principal trumpeter of the Philharmonischen Staatorchesters Hamburg, joined the group along with violinist Valissa Wilworth for a spirited performance of Telemann's Concerto for 3 Corni and Violin in D. The ringing sonority of the three corni da caccia was especially enjoyable. For the final selection, Bruce Heim joined the group for Molter's Symphony for 4 Corni to give the audience an opportunity to hear a full quartet of these marvelous instruments.