David Jaeger - The Horn Speaks (Olivia Esther)

Information

Composer: David Jaeger

• 3 Miniatures
• The Sun
• 3 Pieces for 2 Horns
• Gifts for Spoken Word & Horn
• Night Calls
• Home at Teatime

Olivia Esther, French horn

Sara Schabas, soprano

Victor Prado, French horn

Stephanie Chua, piano

Joyce Lai, violin

Date: 2026

Label: Navona

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The Horn Speaks presents a captivating fusion of instrumental music and spoken poetry, transforming the French horn into a nuanced storytelling voice. Composed by David Jaeger and crafted specifically for hornist Olivia Esther, this collection of evocative art songs creates an intimate, reflective atmosphere that mirrors a live concert experience. Interspersed spoken recitations interact with Esther’s warm, expressive interpretations, allowing word and sound to mutually enrich each other. Lyrical, contemplative, and emotionally resonant, the album offers a deeply immersive listening experience that invites quiet contemplation and leaves a lasting artistic impression long after the final notes dissipate.

David Jaeger is an influential Canadian composer, broadcaster, and music producer who significantly shaped contemporary classical and electronic music. During his tenure at the CBC from 1978 to 2007, he created the acclaimed series Two New Hours, commissioned over 350 works, and broadcast thousands of premiere performances. A pioneer in live electronic music, Jaeger co-founded the Canadian Electronic Ensemble in 1971 and later served as President of the International Rostrum of Composers. His extensive compositional repertoire highlights strings, literature-inspired works, and solo instrumental pieces, as featured on recent recordings like The Horn Speaks and Games of the Night Wind. In recognition of his lasting cultural impact, he was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2018.

Acclaimed for her expressive and fearless performances, Canadian-Portuguese hornist Olivia Esther is a versatile performer, producer, composer, and educator. Her extensive career encompasses collaborations with premier Canadian orchestras, major theatrical productions, and global pop legends such as Adele and Barbra Streisand. Educated at Acadia University and the Chautauqua Institute, Esther is a dedicated champion of new Canadian music, frequently commissioning works and collaborating with composers such as David Jaeger. Beyond the stage, she has held positions on the faculty of The Royal Conservatory of Music and spearheaded impactful community arts initiatives, including founding the Viva Arts organization to expand youth music education across Canada.

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