A brand new Trumpet Concerto by Norwegian composer Rolf Wallin was given its world premiere on 16 September 2011 with WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne conducted by Jukka-Pekka Saraste. The concerto has been written for Håkan Hardenberger, one of today’s greatest trumpeters and held in high regard as a pioneer of many significant and virtuosic new trumpet works, and he and Wallin have been in close contact throughout the writing process. Wallin, a trumpet player himself, says about the work:
A horn player I know once said to me: "The trumpet doesn't have any secrets." I was at first provoked, being myself a trumpeter, but it is an interesting comment, referring to the French horn's wonderful merits of magic in orchestral and chamber music throughout history. In contrast, the role of the trumpeter has been confined to festive parades and dramatic battles.The concerto receives a further performance in Cologne on 17 September, followed by the Norwegian premiere by the co-commissioners, Stavanger Symphony Orchestra with conductor André de Ridder on 20 October. The work then receives its UK premiere on 12 November with the CBSO conducted by Andris Nelsons on 12 November.
So throughout the composition process with this concerto, I have been thinking: What are the secrets of trumpet? In many ways, because the close work with the instrument of my childhood and youth has brought some flashbacks, this trumpet concerto has become quite autobiographical. But I don't want to reveal any of the secrets, you will have to come and hear!
