Hunter’s Moon

Quick Facts

• A short piece for horn and orchestra (Vinter also arranged the piece for horn and piano).
• Vinter wrote Hunter’s Moon in 1942 in collaboration with horn player John Burden.
  • Both musicians were posted to Torquay during WWII as part of the RAF Central Band.

About the Piece

• The music depicts the hunting scene, even utilizing stopped notes glissandi to suggest the hiccupping and burping of the intoxicated huntsmen.
  • The sweeping, romantic middle section makes the listener wonder whether he is recalling memories of a past love.
  • Interestingly, there was a pub called “Hunter’s Moon” in Torquay; however, Burden claims that there was no connection between the establishment and Vinter’s piece.
• Fun fact – a “hunter’s moon” is the first full moon following a harvest moon, typically in late October or early November.
  • Additional fun fact – The piece’s original title was “Diana of the Chase,” but the name was thought to be too elaborate.¹

1. Lewis Foreman, Notes in accompanying booklet, British Horn Concertos performed by David Pyatt and the London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Nicholas Braithwaite, Lyrita 316, 2015, compact disc.