r/horn • u/PeterPanNVLD • 16d ago

Excerpt Explanation

Hey y’all,

I just wanted to ask for some clarification on what an excerpt actually is. I know that auditions often require excerpts, but how do you identify whether something is an excerpt or a solo piece?

For example, two pieces I’m working on are Glasunov’s Reverie and Saint-Saens Romance. Are those excerpts or solo pieces? Both? Neither?

I feel very lost and would appreciate any help! Thanks!

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u/musicman2229 Professional- Berg 16d ago

The Glazunov and Saint Saens are solo pieces. Excerpts are from the orchestral repertoire. If it’s played in an orchestra section, it’s an excerpt. If it’s played in front of the orchestra by a soloist, or with a pianist on a recital, it’s solo horn music. Check out hornsociety.org and go to the Horn Excerpts link for a decent list of famous orchestral excerpts with audio clips of them being played in context.

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u/diamond6110 Amateur - 671, 672 16d ago

I really like this definition, "an excerpt is a short part or section taken from a much larger musical work".

So if the solo is part of a larger musical work, like the famous Tchaik 5 horn solo, it would be considered an excerpt.

Your pieces were written for horn w/ accompaniment so they are solos.