French horn

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Brass instrument

French horn

A modern French horn

Classification
Other names
Classification
Hornbostel–Sachs classification	423.1 (Valved aerophone sounded by lip vibration)
Inventor(s)	Heinrich Stölzel and Friedrich Blühmel
Developed	19th century
Timbre
Volume
Attack
Decay

The French horn is a brass instrument made of tubing wrapped into a coil with a flared bell. The double horn in F/B♭ is the most common type of horn, though single horns in F or B♭ are often used by beginners, and triple horns and descant horns are also made.

History

The French horn has its origins in the natural horn, which was used in hunting and military signaling. The modern French horn was developed in the 19th century with the invention of valves, which allowed for greater flexibility and range. The first valved horn was developed by Heinrich Stölzel and Friedrich Blühmel in 1818.

Construction

The French horn is typically made of brass and consists of a long, coiled tube ending in a flared bell. The instrument has three or more rotary valves, which are operated by the left hand, and a mouthpiece, which is placed against the player's lips. The right hand is placed inside the bell to help control the pitch and tone.

Playing technique

Playing the French horn requires a combination of lip tension, air flow, and hand placement. The player produces sound by buzzing their lips into the mouthpiece, and the pitch is controlled by adjusting the lip tension and using the valves. The right hand inside the bell can also be used to adjust the pitch and tone.

Repertoire

The French horn is used in a wide variety of musical genres, including classical music, jazz, and film scores. It is a standard instrument in the orchestra, concert band, and brass ensemble. Notable works for the French horn include concertos by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Richard Strauss, and Franz Strauss, as well as chamber music by Ludwig van Beethoven and Johannes Brahms.

Notable players

Some of the most renowned French horn players include Dennis Brain, Barry Tuckwell, and Sarah Willis. These musicians have made significant contributions to the instrument's repertoire and technique.

See also

• Natural horn
• Vienna horn
• Mellophone
• Wagner tuba
• List of horn players
• Horn (instrument)