James Thompson Tickets

James Thompson, also known as James S. Thompson, was a prominent classical horn player and teacher who made significant contributions to the development of the instrument's repertoire and technique. His legacy consists of numerous works for horn, including his own compositions, transcriptions, and arrangements. Thompson's playing style is characterized by his unique tone, fluidity, and musicality.

Thompson was born in 1920 in Maryville, Missouri. He began playing the piano at age six and later switched to the horn. He attended the Eastman School of Music, where he studied with Philip Farkas, himself an influential horn player and teacher. Thompson credited Farkas with providing him with the foundations of his horn playing technique, particularly in the area of tone production.

After graduating from Eastman, Thompson served in the United States Air Force Band, where he played first horn. After his military service, he joined the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, where he played as the principal hornist for 14 years. During this time, he became recognized as one of the top horn players in the world, performing widely and recording extensively.

In addition to his work as an orchestral horn player, Thompson was also focused on developing the solo horn repertoire. He advocated for the revival of neglected works by composers such as Paul Hindemith, Carl Nielsen, and Bernhard Krol, as well as the commissioning of new pieces for the instrument. Many of these works were dedicated to Thompson and remain staples of the horn repertoire today.

Thompson's legacy includes his own compositions for horn, which are challenging yet musically satisfying. His "Sonata for Horn and Piano" is often performed and studied by aspiring horn players. Additionally, Thompson wrote several books on horn technique and pedagogy that are widely revered in the classical music community.

Thompson's dedication to the advancement of the horn as a solo instrument earned him many accolades throughout his career. He was awarded the prestigious Theodore Thomas Medallion for his contributions to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Missouri. Thompson retired from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1965 but continued teaching until his death in 2012 at the age of 91.

In conclusion, James Thompson remains an important figure in the classical horn world, both for his artistry as a performer and his contributions as a teacher and composer. His extensive body of work continues to inspire and challenge horn players around the globe, ensuring that his legacy lives on for generations to come.