WINGATE: METAPHYSICAL MONOLOGUE NO. 3 
for Horn Solo

Date:
2020

Duration:
4'45"

Notes:
The horn’s musical quest for meaning in this third Metaphysical Monologue is formed by a set of ten notes, developed both through rotational array and simple transposition. The almost fanfare-like opening quickly tapers downward through the ten-note series, perhaps already unsure of its philosophical prospects. There are many splendid brass-mannered moments, which often give way to rather un-brass-like gestures similar to material in the first Monologue for flute. The piece requires much technical prowess of its horn player, including a stratospheric high G and many stopped horn passages, some almost absurdly and impossibly low. The horn seems to be asking pressing questions throughout its many changes of mood and range. but its searchings come to an end with a final rotated statement of the set, answering the opening, and capped with a note of doubtful triumph.