French composer, Alain Louvier (b. 1945) studied at the Paris Conservatoire where he won the 1968 Prix de Rome. His Hydra with Five Heads makes for an exciting addition to the repertoires of the Horn, Trombone, Alto Saxophone, Clarinet and Bassoon.

As suggested by the title, this Louvier work is influenced by a serpent-like water monster in Greek mythology, the Lernaean Hydra, who possessed many heads. Louvier's composition is virtousic for all instruments, exploiting extended techniques such as ornamentations, articulations, and breath notes, amongst other elements. With a typical performance lasting around four minutes, Louvier's Hydra with Five Heads is perhaps ironic in being adaptable to five different solo instruments; Horn, Trombone, Alto Saxophone, Clarinet or Bassoon, with Piano accompaniment. Hydra with Five Heads is a challenging yet inspiring work for advanced players.