French Horn

The French horn is the sophisticated member of the brass family, indeed possibly the most glamorous of all instruments. Not only does it sound good, but it looks spectacular (horn players seem to spend much of their time twirling the instrument around to try to get rid of excess water). The sound is noble and can be forceful and exciting. This can be a difficult instrument to master, requiring an excellent ear, great precision and nerves of steel. To sum up, if you are a musician and you don't play the horn, you'll probably wish you did!

Starting age 9 years. Many fine horn players start on the trumpet, cornet, euphonium or tenor horn

Cost

• New approx £850
• 2nd hand From £400

Hire

• Basic instruments are usually available from Kent Music stock or schools, but this is an instrument where quality is definitely an advantage.
• You may wish to invest in your own F/Bb horn at an early stage.

Running Costs

• Slide grease a neccessity.

Suitability

• Teeth are important.
• A fixed brace may sometimes impede learning; at worst this may neccesitate a temporary change to an instrument with a larger mouthpiece (euphonium, trombone or tuba).

Where to play

• A wide range as with the trumpet but normally without the jazz and rock.
• Used extensively in Classical orchestral work and wind quintets.
• This is the most challenging brass instrument and requires musical talent and skill to master.
• It is worth all the effort as it makes the most beautiful sound.
• Being an extrovert can help!
• Find out more about instrument care and maintenance

Famous Pieces

• Mozart - 4 Concertos - all popular and very memorable
• Strauss - 2 Concertos - they just make you wish you played the horn!
• Britten - Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings - uses "natural" horn effects

Famous Solos

• Till Eulenspiegel - (Richard Strauss) - flamboyant opening solo
• "Venus" from "The Planets" (Holst) - The first four notes create the peaceful atmosphere
• Peter & the Wolf (Prokofiev) - The horn section represent "the Wolf"

Famous Performers

• Dennis Brain - widely held to be the best ever
• Barry Tuckwell - stylish player - listen to his playing of Britten's Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings
• Ivor James - of Philip Jones Brass Ensemble