At the end of the 19th century and the start of the 20th, the cornet (a brass instrument related to the trumpet) was fast becoming a versatile showcase instrument on the verge of knocking the violin from its perch. An extremely agile and dynamic instrument, the cornet is capable of playing delicately and fluently and yet can project easily over a band or orchestra. A large number of virtuosic players were writing, performing, and recording showpieces for the instrument at this time.  Herbert L. Clarke, Hermann Bellstedt, and Jules Levy are examples of these performers/composers who left an enormous amount of repertoire in their wake. This recital features music by all three of these composers (plus more, including John Philip Sousa!) and also highlights the lyrical and playful side of the instrument.