Stephen Dodgson: Cor Leonis: Horn Solo

Though commissioned as an obligatory item in a competition for young players (Leggett Price 1991), the purpose of Cor Leonis was only partly to test technique. More importantly, it was intended as a challenge to musicianship. The expressive range involved is wide; the opportunity for mood and colour considerable, though controlled by an economic structure. A romantic spirit hides beneath the linguistic pun of the title; Cor Leonis offers a solution to an ancient riddle: How did the Lion lose his Horn? (Answer: when he gained his Heart.) This music was composed in August 1990 under the zodiacal sign of Leo. Cor Leonis is the name given to the brightest star of the constellation at the heart of the Lion (Regulus).