William VerMeulen | Mastering the Technical Demands

The technical challenges of "Maynard" are immense. The piece is full of fast, difficult passages that require pinpoint accuracy, a strong embouchure, and expert control of the instrument's pitch. Rapid arpeggios, large leaps between notes, and fast-tongued articulation are all staples of the piece. The wide range of notes, from the lowest to the highest registers, demands great flexibility from the performer.

 

One particularly difficult aspect of "Maynard" is its use of the horn’s extreme high range. The French horn’s upper register is notoriously difficult to control, with even the slightest embouchure misstep resulting in missed or cracked notes. Yet, William VerMeulen handles this challenge with aplomb. His high notes are clear, resonant, and powerful, showing no signs of strain even during the most challenging sections. This ability to maintain such a high level of accuracy and control is a testament to his technical skill and years of experience.

 

VerMeulen’s breathing technique is another aspect that contributes to the success of his performance. The demands of "Maynard" require not only quick, efficient breaths but also the ability to sustain long phrases without losing tone quality. VerMeulen’s breath control is impeccable, allowing him to maintain the music’s flow and energy without sacrificing clarity or power.