Tuesday, 23 October 2018

Asian Youth Orchestra: The French Horn



Recently we posted some news on our alumni member Chanakorn Panmuan, former Asian Youth Orchestra French horn player (click to see his story on our website), and wanted to follow up with some information about this wonderful instrument for those not familiar with it.  Easily an orchestra favorite, the French Horn is a special brass instrument with a dynamic, rich and mellow tone that easily blends with other instruments. The player of the French Horn is called a Horn player or Hornist. The Hornist sits on what is called the Horn Chair to play this beautiful instrument.  
About the French Horn…

The French Horn is primarily a brass instrument. It is made of a tubing wrapped in circles (coil) and has a flared bell positioned at the end which serves as the output of the musical notes played. The variety tones are produced by a number of factors:
  • Measure and speed of air blasted into the mouthpiece by the hornist
  • The valves or keys which control the flow of air in the tubing
  • Adjustment of hand position on the bell
  • Expertise of the player

Chanakorn Panmuan, French horn

How Does it Work?

One of the most important parts of the Horn is the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is to be placed at the centre of the lips and the air is controlled by the tension of the lip aperture. Once air is released into the mouthpiece, the valves which serve as the keys are used to control the flow of air. In the common horn, there are just three valves, four valves in the double horn and five valves in the triple horn. The valves are shaped like paddles and they are responsible for routing the sir in the horn. The French Horn is one of the very few instruments with the keys positioned and to be played by the left hand. The pitch of the tones can also be increased or decreased by adjusting the hand position on the bell.
Why the French Horn?

The French Horn is an incredibly fun instrument. It provides amazing features such as:
  • Producing a rich and mellow tone that easily blends with other instruments
  • Since they are not amassed in great numbers like violinists, the need for hornists is greater
  • It produces unique musical sounds for film music
  • Band Directors are particular about the Horn’s music
  • It is easy to learn, though requires skill and determination to master
  • Every great orchestra wants a talented hornist!
History of the French Horn…

The French Horn has a deep and rich history that dates back to early human life. Horns used then were animal horns and they were used in a primitive way. The functions evolved more into hunting signals and battle signals. Today, there is a complete evolution on this historical masterpiece. Its improved crafting and musical technology modifications has made it a crucial part of a professional orchestra.
To become a professional hornist in the Orchestra, you need a huge amount of practice and proper guidance from well experienced and talented tutors. The Asian Youth Orchestra is Asia's premier pre-professional orchestra, which offers opportunities for advanced study, performance and international concert touring experiences. Be sure to follow Asian Youth Orchestra on Facebook and Instagram for 2019’s audition and tour dates and details!
Connect with the Asian Youth Orchestra
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Posted by Director of SO-U.TV at 19:48

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