French Horn History

Ashley Wilson

Gaffney

Music 201 OL1

29 September 2016

Research Instrument Assignment

Favorite Instrument: French Horn

History and/or Manufacturers:

1. Eco Jazz.com; The French Horn History

2. Inventors.about.com; History of The French Horn

The French Horn is a marvelous and unique instrument. The structure of this brass instrument itself also has a history of its own. The modern French horn was an invention based on early hunting horns, which hunters used to signal companions across great distances. In 1753, the unique structure was first accomplished by a German Musician, Hampel, who applied moveable slides of different lengths that changed the volume of the horn. In the 19th century, the use of the slides invented in 1753 was soon later

Famous performer, Terry Johns, is one of the world’s best French Horn players. Johns appearance in the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra has made him highly respectable in the world of music. Johns performance was also revealed in the movies; Superman 2, Star Wars, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and The Clash of the Titans. Another well-known French Horn performer, Sarah Willis, is the first and only women to join the brass section of one of the world’s most celebrated orchestras, Berlin Philharmonics. Willis began playing in the Berlin Phil’s wind ensemble, but soon later gained the courage to become a soloist. One of her famous performances, Rossini 's "La Danza”, including a low horn solo, caught the views of many people because she performed the piece “as strong and loud as the guys”. I chose these particular sites because it reveals the importance of the French Horn and how it was implemented in many famous pieces, including movies and

Famous composers who have written music for the French horn include Ludwig Van Beethoven, Richard Wagner, Mozart, and many other composers. Beethoven is a well-known composer for many instruments. However, his famous French Horn piece, “Horn Sonata, Op. 17”, was recognized in the International Music Score Library Project. This piece has three sections; Allegro moderato, Poco Adagio, and Allegro moderato. These sections represent the different dynamics and volume used in his piece. I chose these particular sites because I was able to gather new information regarding the famous pieces of well-known composers.

Repertoire

1. Naxos.com; Music for French Horn

2. American Composer Alliance.com Since the French Horn is a very popular instrument, there are many famous pieces that were written specifically for this instrument. Pieces listed below are widely known throughout music history. I chose these specific websites because they briefly listed various famous pieces in which I got to select and narrow down to 5 of my favorite ones.

1. Amon, Johannes Andreas; Horn Quartet, Op. 20, No. 1

2. Schumann, Robert; Adagio and Allegro, Op. 70

3. Mendelssohn, Felix; Symphony No. 5 in D Major, Op.