The Concerto in Eb was written for an early form of the trumpet accompanied by strings and harpsichord. The original instrument was most likely the "corno-da-caccia", or hunting horn, which although similar in size and shape to a small French horn did not possess valves. The player would have created the various pitches of the melody strictly by the manipulation of the lips and air. The composer, Johann Baptist Georg Neruda was believed to have been born in Rositz, Germany around 1708. He performed as a traveling violinist and composer until joining the chapel orchestra in Dresden (Germany) in 1750. He lived, composed and performed there until his death in 1780.
I am deeply grateful to the band members, community members, and band directors at Naperville Central High School for allowing me the opportunity to create an arrangement of this composition. I have heard this remarkable band perform many times, and jumped at the chance to enter into a partnership with them to bring this exciting music to life. The opportunity to collaborate with my wife Erica as the soloist on this music made the process even more pleasant. I congratulate director Mr. Alstadt for having the courage and the vision to commission this arrangement, to create new performance opportunities for his students and for bands all across the world.
Notes by Thomas Bough
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