The French Horn
Even though the French horn is one of the hardest instruments to play, it plays the most unique and important sounds in bands and orchestras. The French horn is often used to symbolize strength and power but it can also sound rich and mellow. Modern horns are made from a very long piece of brass tubing that gradually gets wider as the tube goes from the mouthpiece to the bell. It's wound up so it's easy to hold and the player puts his right hand in the bell. The French horn player presses the valves, changes his embouchure, and moves his hand inside the bell to change the pitch of the instrument. The modern horn originated in Europe in the early 14th century for hunting and warfare as a single piece of tubing. Over hundreds of years, as the horn was used in orchestral music, the horn evolved into a complex and very important musical instrument.
Why French horn?
Because it is such a difficult instrument to play, a lot of schools
will recruit only their best musicians to play French horn. To many
people who like a challenge, French horn is a perfect fit! Just like
learning most instruments, if you want to be really good at French
horn, you need to learn how to listen. If the notes you're playing
aren't the notes you want, keep trying. You'll get it!
How does a French horn contribute to a band or orchestra?
Because French horns used to be used in hunting and warfare, a lot of
times it conveys a symbol of intensity and strength. In some pieces the
horns are very powerful, almost as if they're saying “Charge!” It can
also be used to sound mellow and sweet. The French horn is versatile
enough that in can blend in with the strong brass section or balance
out a peaceful woodwind quintet; usually composed of a flute, clarinet,
bassoon, oboe and, of course, the French horn.
The Parts of a French horn
- The mouthpiece is thin and cone-shaped. If the player usually plays low parts, the mouthpiece is wider; it's shallower if he plays higher parts.
- Pressing the valve levers open or close the valve tubes to change the pitch of the instrument. Special combinations are used to create different notes.
- The bell is the widest part of the instrument. This is where the sound comes from. A French horn player usually puts his hand in the bell to support the instrument, but can put his whole hand in the bell to mute the sound or to change the pitch.
Tips
If you're sitting when you play, try to sit up straight. If you slouch, you won't have the breath support you need.
Rest the bell on your thigh while you play. If the horn it too big, rest it on your side.
Because you use your mouth to play your instrument, spit is going to get inside the horn. And even though it's gross, you need to empty the spit out of the tubing after every time you play.
Be sure to keep your valves well oiled. This will help you to move your fingers faster. Ask your teacher to show you how to oil your horn properly.
How to pick a good French horn
Getting your first French horn is a big deal; here are some things to consider.
Double or a single? If you get a single horn, it will be lighter and easier to learn at first. But as you continue to play, you will eventually want to move up to a double horn which is what the pros play. Ask your teacher which is best for you.
New or used? Your local music retailer will be able to advise you on pre-loved instruments that they have in stock. This can be a worthy alternative. Unless you know specifically what you want, beware of the internet! You will not get the support, advice and service you will get from your local retailer.
If you are going to buy a used horn be sure to check the valves to make sure they aren't leaking or noisy. Also, check the body of the horn for dents and a worn finish. If you decide to get a used horn, make sure a professional looks at it to make sure it's a good horn. You will have it for a while.
Did you know?
The French horn's conical tubing is actually 11 feet long… that's
longer than the distance from the floor to the ceiling in most houses!