French Horn

Rotary Valves These valves change the

direction of the air through the pipes to change the

notes!

Levers These 3 levers help the

player change note. They control the rotary valves.

Mouthpiece You place your lips on the mouthpiece and blow a

raspberry! If the Horn was unraveled, the piping would

stretch to around 4 metres, so you’ll need to have a lot of puff!

Bell This is where the sound comes out!

Horn players place their hands in here to change the pitch and quality

of the sound.

Slides Parts of the tubing can be removed to empty out any

condensation that has built up from warm air being blown into the cold metal tubes. They are

also used for tuning the instrument!

FUN FACTS

Before the French Horn that we know today, the ‘natural horn’ came with a series of different length tubes (called crooks) which could be

inserted into the horn to allow different notes to be played! 🔧

The French Horn is famously known for being the hardest instrument

to play! 🥇

The Horn is one of the most ancient instruments. Its name originates

from cultures all over the world playing hollowed-out animal horns! 🐗

The modern instrument can remove its bell to make it easier to

transport! 🧰

The brass that a Horn is made out of includes both copper and zinc, metals found in vitamins. Therefore, you may eat a French Horn’s worth

of vitamins in your lifetime! 🍽

It started its life being used in hunting - signalling the beginning and

the end, as well as rallying the participants! 📯

Because of the Horn’s hunting history, when it first began to be used in operas, it most often provided the music for the hunting scenes of

gods, goddesses, kings and queens! 🎭

Want to hear more of the Horn?

Click to LISTEN

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