What exactly is a french horn?
-According to Webster it is a brass wind instrument having a coiled tube ending in a flaring mouth. It was originally used strictly for hunting, but as it developed it has become a part of the orchestra along with many other things.
Where was the french horn developed?
-The earliest horn was developed in Scandanavia, although it doesn't much resemble the french horn of today. Over time it spread throughout Europe. The french horn as we see it now was developed in Germany.
When was the horn invented?
-The horn has been around since ancient times but was a very much simplified version of today's single, double, and triple horn. The single was invented in 1815, and the double horn was invented in 1898.
Who invented the french horn?
-Although Heinrich Stolzel and Francois Perinet, and among many others made significant improvements in the horn, a German by the name of Fritz Kruspe was one of the first to develop the single and double horn with rotary valves.
Why is it called the "french" horn?
-A couple of Germans went to France to visit and noticed the "cor de chasse." (French for hunting horn) Upon their return they were instructed to learn this instrument, which was the beginning of this horn playing in Germany. I believe that since they first saw the horn in France they called it the French horn.. although, if I am incorrect please email me about this.
How is a single horn different from a double horn?
-The single horn is in the key of F and a double horn is in the key of F and Bb. They both have rotary valves, but the single horn only has 3 of them as opposed to the double horn which has 4. This fourth trigger valve makes the tubing shorter which changes the key from F to Bb. Because the double horn can be played in two different keys, it has a larger range of notes. It is said that a beginner student should begin on a single horn so they can learn the true pitch of the F key. Then once they've mastered that, move on to a double horn. The double horn is the most commonly played among orchestras and professionals.
Other Horn Stuff
Horn Fingering Chart
How to improve on the french horn......
French horn jokes
Picture of a french horn
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