Instrument: Horn

In this film, Katy Woolley introduces her instrument - the horn.

The Philharmonia is a world-class symphony orchestra, led by Principal Conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali.

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The Principal Horn Chair is endowed by John and Carol Wates in memory of Dennis Brain.
The No. 4 Horn Chair is endowed by James Rushton.

[CSifjrixhrj]

I love how she spun the bell off like a boss at 4:25

[michaeledwards]

If you're not a French horn or brass player you have no idea how impressive it is to play a chromatic scale of your whole register without adjusting your lips partway through. Amazing range

[chemprofmatt]

Wow, she looks remarkably young for a principal player in a major orchestra. Obviously very talented! So glad she demonstrated natural horn as well as the conventional instrument.

[philharmonia_orchestra]

Hi, Katy says that the modern horn is an 'Alexander - Model 103'. As for the mouthpiece, it is a 'Paxman 3B screw-rim' and she uses it for both the modern and natural horns.

The natural horn was made by Josef Lidl and believed to be the 'LHR 320' model. Katy also added that the bell flare on the modern horn was made by Cornford.

We hope you find this useful and thank you for your kind words!

[ranhill]

She is excellent as a presenter. Her pacing was top notch, she's also very knowledgeable and yet personable. Loved the moment at 3:40 tracing the tube length.

[darkhorsem]

Though I am a former trumpet player, I've always had an affinity for the sounds of the french horn. It sounds very stately and heroic to me.

[victorh.l.h.]

She is so passionate about her instrument! I love it!
She takes the audience on a quick journey through the history of the French Horn, gives great examples, talks about the pitch we hear, and what the right hand's purpose is... Very relevant and useful info.

[anothercrappypianist]

The horn is one of my favourite orchestral textures, especially at the highest registers where it seems to take on an entirely new quality altogether.  I love your enthusiasm, Katy!

[philharmonia_orchestra]

At 4:35 the orchestra plays an extract from Mahler's Symphony No. 6. It's the first movement.

[JoPeter]

Katy Woolley became solohornist of the Concertgebouw this season and I am incredibly happy about that, she deserves it so much!

[bid]

Actually this is one of the better presentations in the series cos Katy does play a lot of examples, from technical aspects to actual musical fragments. I like this series but even more playing could be added (as opposed to verbal descriptions)

[caesarsalad]

I really dont know how to explain it properly, but the horn parts I love the most are these outbreaking upward bursts like elephant trumps you often get from horns at very emotional passages. They are also the signature move of the horns, I guess, since I cant imagine any other instrument to do that this beautifully.
edit: okay i just learned its called a "rip"! almost like a glissando from the trombones, but not as "cheesy" as them.

[ChuckNorrisFist]

I've always enjoyed the horn. I'm a trumpet player myself, but the horn is one of my favorites, and she plays it beautifully. I like the way she stays relaxed even through the higher registers. It's a great example for younger players of how to use the embouchure, rather than pressure, to play the instrument. On an unrelated note, she is freaking gorgeous. Cheers fellow musicians!!

[sualee]

I enjoy these instrument introduction series greatly. Thank you, Philharmonia!

[jdmagtibay]

One of the best in the series. I love how she explained the origins of the instrument. She seems very knowledgeable of her craft. Really great!

[emmakirby]

French Horn and Viola are my two favorite orchestral instruments.

[cmcer]

I used to play the French Horn in high school, and absolutely loved it  Back in 1969-70 I had Charles Ansbacher for a conductor in an all city high school orchestra in Colorado Springs. Katy really takes me back to my original love of music Thanks for the memories.

[YoruMidnightWolf]

I play trumpet, but recently began learning how to play the Horn. I am struggling so bad.. My respect for horn players have increased immensley!

[ekcentrik]

This is very my favorite brass instrument. The sound is absolutely lovely.

[sayuriserasinghe]

Madam, when you demonstrated the olden way of playing the horn, I took my hat off