The French horn has a rich, warm velvety sound, but can also be bright and intense on the higher notes. It is heard mostly in orchestras and bands, where it is used for melodic passages as well for providing accompaniment to other sections of the band. It usually plays higher than trombones and lower than trumpets, but can reach some incredibly high notes.
There are usually 3 or 4 different horn parts that are generally played with one player on each part. French horns first came into the orchestra in pairs to portray the sound of hunting horns but are now used in music of all sorts.
The French horn is shaped in a circle, with a large bell that is held down by the player's side. It is also the only brass instrument in which the valves are operated with the left hand -- all other brass instruments are operated with the right hand. The right hand is placed inside the bell to soften the tone and help adjust the tuning. The total length of unwound tube is approximately 3.7m.
Fact: Did you know the French horn is not French. It is in fact German and dates back to the 1600’s
There are usually 3 or 4 different horn parts that are generally played with one player on each part. French horns first came into the orchestra in pairs to portray the sound of hunting horns but are now used in music of all sorts.
The French horn is shaped in a circle, with a large bell that is held down by the player's side. It is also the only brass instrument in which the valves are operated with the left hand -- all other brass instruments are operated with the right hand. The right hand is placed inside the bell to soften the tone and help adjust the tuning. The total length of unwound tube is approximately 3.7m.
Fact: Did you know the French horn is not French. It is in fact German and dates back to the 1600’s
French Horn Section
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