French Horn
"The horn is perhaps the least efficient instrument in the brass family,
but it produces the most beautiful sound of all."
Barry Tuckwell
Quick Facts
One of the most versatile (and possibly the most intricate) of all the brass instruments, the French horn has a long and noble history, having risen from a simple instrument used primarily on the hunt to its present place of prominence in the band, orchestra, and chamber ensemble. In the late 16th century, the hunting horn emerged from France. As early as 1650, the hunting horn was used in orchestras and opera performances. In 1815, the horn changed with the addition of valves to produce a harmonic scale. By 1900 the standard horn of today was developed. It was a horn that combined the horn in F with the horn in Bb, providing a horn with a good high and low register. Among the factors contributing to the characteristic mellow, velvet quality of the French horn are its mainly conical bore, its deep conical mouthpiece, and its large bell. The types of French horns most commonly in use today are the single horn in F, the single horn in Bb, and the double horn pitched in F and Bb.
There are different types of French Horns?
Yes, there are several types of french horns.
Most modern horns are known as “double” horns - not because there are two of them, but because they are equipped with a “trigger” valve (usually at the thumb), which changes the pitch of the instrument from F to Bb. In actuality, most horn players merely learn alternate fingerings for the “Bb side” and continue to read parts in F, without realizing that what they are actually doing is a rather difficult transposition!
The Bb instrument allows more security in the upper register, and most teachers of the horn recommend playing on the Bb side on all notes above 2nd line G. The trigger also allows the seven lowest notes, C to F below the bass clef staff (new notation), to be played, if the hornist has developed that register. [Note - these are pitches “as written” in F, not concert pitches].
The standard double horn is a “full” double, meaning that there are two complete paths for air to flow, including separate tubing for the three normal valves. Older “compensating” doubles share paths through the three valves and are much more difficult to tune and generally play. A couple of horn manufacturers even make “triple” horns, with two thumb valves to chose between the keys of F and Bb, found in a double, and F alto, found in descant horns (c.f.). Such horns are quite heavy and are rarely used today.
What's the difference between French Horns?
French Horns can look very similar even to regular players. However, there are some very important differences between certain types and brands of clarinets.
Intonation is one of the key differences. Many brands of french horns are not made to be played in bands or with other instruments - they do not play in tune with other instruments. An instrument that won't be played with other instruments is less expensive to manufacture, but when it is used in a band it creates frustration to the player, the director, and other band members. If the instrument is going to be used in a school band, please make sure the band director is familar and reccomends the brand of french horn that you have found.
