French Horns

French horns

The soft voice of the French horn adds depth and variety to any orchestra or marching band. It has a wonderfully full and rich sound that is perfect to create emotional effects. The French horn comes in a variety of styles depending on the player's needs. Select a single French horn if you are new to the instrument or choose a double horn or triple horn if you are a more advanced player. The French horn descended from the natural horn but has greatly evolved with more tubing and valves. In the orchestra, the French horn takes the third place after the cornet and trumpet. Traditionally, there were two French horns in an orchestra with the first horn playing the high part and the second a lower part. Many composers have been inspired by the French horn and have used it for various effects.

In conflict to its name the French horn takes its origin in Germany only to migrate to France to take its final form and name. It comes from the French hunting horn of the 1600s, and produces a wide variety of sound ranging from very loud to very soft, and from harsh and blaring to mellow and smooth. These horns are characterized by the funnel-shaped mouthpiece and unusually long tube piece stretching over 20 feet coiled into a circular shape. There are anywhere from 2 to 8 French horns in an orchestra, and they play both melody and harmony as well as rhythm. This is placed as the third highest sounding instrument in the brass family next to the highest trumpet and cornet. It consist of three parts namely the mouthpiece lever-operated three rotary valves and the twenty foot convoluted tube. These brass horns valves diverges into single tube and double tube horns with one suited for novices and other for higher level practitioners. The player obtains different notes on the horn with a clear mellow sound by pressing valves with the left hand and by moving the right hand inside of the bell.

The single horn has one set of tubing connected to the valves. It is often found in the keys of F or B-flat, but is mostly played in the key of F, especially in the United States. Single horns are great for young beginners because they are lighter and less expensive. The double horn is the most common type of horn played. It has two sets of tubes connected to the three valves and a fourth valve, known as a trigger, which allows the player to shift between the key of F and key of B-flat. The double horn essentially combines the two types of single horns and helps fix problems in tone and pitch experienced on the single horn. The double horn also facilitates ease in the high register. Most players use the B-flat side of the horn (accessed by pressing the trigger) in the high register because it is a shorter set of tubing. The triple horn was invented to create even more security in the high register. It employs the F and B-flat horns as well as a third, descant horn, in E-flat. Thus, it has three sets of tubing connected to the valves and two trigger valves, which access either the B-flat side or E-flat side of the horn. It is far more expensive than the double horn and is rarely available in less than professional models.

Buy french horns in Musician.UA

You can buy french horns in our stores. It is also possible to place an order in the online shop. Delivery is carried out all over Ukraine. Thanks to the wide assortment, everyone will find a suitable product for themselves. You can always count on professional advice and assistance. We care about the quality of service and do everything we can to make sure you are satisfied with your purchase.