Felix August Bernhard Draeseke (Oct. 7, 1835 - Feb. 25, 1913) was a German composer and teacher who was drawn to music very early in life; his first composition was at the age of 8. Draeseke decided as a teenager to become a professional musician, and his family was supportive. He studied for a while at the Leipzig Conservatory, and after hearing a performance of Wagner's opera Lohengrin, where he became a fan and part of the "New German School".  He taught in Switzerland and then in Dresden, at the Dresden Conservatory. During his life, his music was admired, and performed often in Germany. Eventually his popularity faded, and even with a renewed interest later on, his music is still rarely programmed.

Draeseke wrote Romanze for Horn and Piano  in 1885, along with another work for horn, Adagio in A minor. It was brought to publishers and was immediately accepted.

Usually the horn is seen as an orchestral instrument, but this song-like piece showcases the horn as an exceptional solo instrument as well. The piano part provides a rich accompaniment to  work that demonstrates the horn's vast range, and highlights it's lyrical abilities.

Here's a recording of this work to enjoy!

Thomas Crome