Horn

Quick History

The French Horn was based on early hunting horns. French Horns were first used as musical instruments during 16th century operas. During the 17th century, they added larger and flared bells on the horn to create the modern shape of the Horn. Initially, they only played one note but in 1753, a German musician called Hampel invented crooks (movable slides) of various length that changed the key of the horn.

In the 19th century, valves instead of crooks were used, which created the modern French Horn. The French Horn is the second highest pitched brass instrument, behind the Trumpet. These are usually pitched in the key of F and double horns have an added side pitched in the key of Bb. They also use rotary valves as opposed to pistons.

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How to play

French Horn is played by buzzing your lips into the mouthpiece. The weight of the horn is supported with the right hand, inside the bell. The right hand is in a cup shape just above the major curve of the bell flare (too far in and you 'stop' the horn, affecting the sound). The left hand balances the horn, while using the left-hand fingers to press down on the valves. When playing the horn, it is important to try and avoid as much movement in the right hand as possible. Moving it around can change the pitch and tuning of notes, so it is recommended that beginners try to keep it as stationary as possible.

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Famous Players

Hermann Baumann

Hermann Baumann was born near Hamburg in 1934. He started playing the French Horn when he was about 17 years old and studied under Fritz Huth. He went on to perform as the principal horn in the Hamburg Chamber Orchestra, Dortmunder Philharmoniker and the Südwestrundfunk (SWR) Radio Orchestra in Stuttgart. In 1967 he became Professor of Horn at the Folkwang University in Essen. He is regarded as one of the best French Horn players ever and in 1999, the Historic Brass Society presented him with the Christopher Monk Award for his contributions to music on historic instruments (specifically the natural horn).

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