Concert Piece in F minor opus 94
Camille Saint-Saëns

Like the “Konzertstück for four horns” op. 86 by Schumann (HN 1138), the "Morceau de concert" by Saint-Saëns was created with the idea of exploiting the technical possibilities of a new paddle horn. The French horn player Henri Chaussier was the instigator. The latter had in fact developed a new kind of "omnitonic horn" and wanted, through the composition of Saint-Saëns, to demonstrate the advantages of his instrument. Chaussier's invention was not, however, adopted by the horn players - unlike the "Concert Piece"! This work, much appreciated in one movement, is no longer too demanding on a technical level - Saint-Saëns had already planned two cuts at the time to simplify the piece, so that even advanced students can attack it.