Inspired by the second movement from the
Concerto for Horn by Othmar Schoeck
Hermann Baumann (1934-2023) is considered world-wide to have been one of the greatest horn soloists of all time. His passing on 29 December, 2023 was a true loss to the classical music world. During his career, Hermann Baumann performed most of the repertoire for horn and orchestra, as well as horn in other combinations of instruments, including the natural horn all around the world. The composer had the great honour to study with Baumann during the two years he was professor at the Hochschule für Music in Stuttgart, Germany.
Shortly after the funeral service, there was a great initiative to organise a memorial concert to honour the great horn soloist. One of the very first people they contacted was Kerry Turner, with the explicit request that he compose a new piece for this occasion. Thus was “Pro Memoria” born.
While contemplating the mood and form of this new piece, Turner was constantly haunted by the sweet strains of the second movement of the Concerto for Horn by Swiss composer Othmar Schoeck. It was the piece he performed at his final exam in Stuttgart. It was, however, the famous recording of Hermann Baumann playing this wistful melody which ultimately inspired this composition.
