Instrument: Horn

In this film, Katy Woolley introduces her instrument - the horn.
To learn more about the horn visit www.philharmonia.co.uk/explore...
Enjoy our collection of videos on all things brass: • Brass Instruments (Phi...
The Philharmonia is a world-class symphony orchestra, led by Principal Conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali.
Based in London at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, resident in cities and at festivals across England, and touring internationally, the Philharmonia creates thrilling performances for a global audience. Find out more about us on our website: philharmonia.co.uk/
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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.
Endowment opportunities at the Philharmonia offer supporters unique access and insights to our players. Find out more here: philharmonia.co.uk/join-suppo...

[@michaeledwards6052]

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

[@crazysteve9390]

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

[@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.

[@Gamebreaker08]

It's always some creepy incel in the comment section talking about how beautiful a girl is.

[@skrjabinrabbit912]

@@Gamebreaker08 Its always some white-knight neckbeard that copy and paste the same response to the defense of woman that aren't offended or care. chemprofmatt didn't even comment on her attractiveness, he just said she was young to be a principal player in the phil

[@maxsmith8196]

She was appointed principal player at 22, pretty gnarly

[@aaroncutter9084]

​@@Gamebreaker08 he just remarked that she is pretty young to play in a major orchestra. Imo that's not creepy at all.

[@macaroni4246]

@@Gamebreaker08 get a life man

[@ranhill62]

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.

[@nahbye6709]

Randall Hill totally agree. Her way of speech really helps me understand what she’s saying as a clarinet player who never really understood the French horn.

[@seanleith5312]

How could you not to mention her beauty?

[@lmaoroflcopter]

@@seanleith5312 because it doesn't add anything to the conversation and he didn't feel the need to. Not disputing if you were to ask me if she was attractive, of course she is but why the hell would you feature that in a description of how she did great presenting a topic.

[@darkhorse13m]

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.

[@108nighthawk]

Juan Ortega I origonally played Trumpet and was moved over to the Horn (along with some other trumpet players). It was very similar and fun, but most of all it felt unique.

[@chessdrummer]

Trumpet sounds gallant and heroic to me.

[@ProfessorZaitsev]

Don't worry...everyone is a former trumpet player...it's how we move up in the world! ;-)

[@the80386]

only problem is it's not french

[@rockystar904]

@@108nighthawk I'm actually about to switch! Love my trumpet, but the horn just sound so good!

[@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!

[@michelledebellis2943]

Hey Katy woolley what marvel movie is mantis

[@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]

anothercrappypianist Thanks for watching!

[@kylejudkins754]

Jason catches me trying to perfect my SM. the never ending quest for realism.

[@victorh.l.h.3138]

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.

[@JoPeter27]

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

[@b00i00d]

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)

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Thank you! We're glad you like the series, and thanks for the feedback - it's always useful!

[@jdmagtibay]

I agree with you. This is the best of what I've watched. She knows her stuff really well. And she's engaing.

[@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!

[@adude394]

This young lady is a magnificent talent. As someone who is a French horn player I can tell you from the inside, nothing here is as easy as Ms. Woolley makes it seem. Brava!

[@caesarsalad9288]

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.

[@SemaAvalith]

I switched over to horn from flute in high school, one of the best decisions of my life

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

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

[@MattMinecraft4]

Philharmonia Orchestra (London, UK) What's that excerpt at the beginning ? It sounds so familiar.

[@aaronmencher4978]

MattMKZbin It is part of Prelude to the Afternoon of the Faun by Debussy

[@MattMinecraft4]

Aaron Mencher Thanks !

[@TheThreatenedSwan]

+Philharmonia Orchestra (London, UK) Are valve-less horns still used at least somewhat commonly?

[@louiskwak1538]

+Philharmonia Orchestra (London, UK) Which Mozart Horn Concerto is in 7:44?

[@emmakirby8979]

French Horn and Viola are my two favorite orchestral instruments.

[@MrRawVid]

im sorry what

[@swiggaswoody]

^ they're right though

[@Ben-si3io]

Umm those are the exact two instruments i play

[@gabrieldomingos1087]

you're pretty hipster sir.

[@cindyknows9220]

ME TOO!! I've NEVER heard of anyone that loves these two instruments!!

[@brandon23471]

I just casually clicked this video, but I wasn't prepared for how awesome it was going to be!

[@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!!

[@sualee3883]

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

[@thomasarussellsr]

I tried many instruments between early childhood and high school... Piano, bassoon, clarinet, sax, trumpet, bagpipes, flute, epiphone, tuba, drums, oboe, trombone, and finally settled on bass trombone w/ f-key my sophomore year. I have personally also dabbled with the harmonica and guitar and would love to find an affordable fiddle/violin to try out and a banjo, but we'll see if I can find the time and money on my tight fixed disability budget. I also love to work my vocal instrument every chance I get. (Dad was a classical pianist and professor of music theory at a local university.)

[@joannar2451]

What a phenomenal presentation by a phenomenal artist!

[@daughterofposeidon1304]

At my middle school band we call our nine French horns the Unihorns!🦄📯

[@kevinpyo1918]

Daughter Of Poseidon gay

[@kilawattkidd]

The french horn adds grandeur and scope to an orchestra; think of it as a movie shot in 70mm, rather than 35mm. Very majestic.

[@Mrsp8472]

A little late here...but the French horn is what makes so much of Star Trek music great. My favorite is that melodic French horn section in the First Contact theme.

[@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!

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Thanks for the feedback, and for spending time on our channel! Please subscribe for more of this kind of content in the future.

[@kinoglaz777]

A very nice and noble piece of brass.

[@TallGlassOfLemonade]

Hey have any horn players ever felt personally victimized by John Phillip Sousa? Because I know I have.

[@idontcare556]

I feel your pain brother. I'm so sick of Sousa marches. So very sick of off beats.......I think he must have had an ex girlfriend who was a horn player.

[@TallGlassOfLemonade]

Rangimakehu Hall He must have. No one would be as cruel as he towards the horn section without some reason. Also Leroy Anderson giving the horns the offbeats in Sleigh Ride. I like the song but damn I hate that part.

[@matthewmiles4490]

+Saturn TUBA MASTER RACE!!! I actually think John Philip Sousa was to horns as pachelbel was to cellos according to rob paravonian's pachelbel rant

[@TallGlassOfLemonade]

Matt Miles yes! that is such a good comparison

[@TheDbgtfan23]

+Sofia S contra for life my brother

[@mesapdarecriminals0integri563]

I could listen to this woman talk all day. She's so intelligent, monotone almost with her voice but expressive when playing, and even if more monotone, her voice is so classy and soothing...she should just be the Michael Jackson of audio books or the next Morgan Freeman of documentaries. What a lovely person.

[@abemauricio7076]

That particular version of that particular accent makes her come across like a pretentious snob to some of us here in the US. But I heard she landed a major role since this video and wishing her all the best.

[@1tang]

damn!! and now shes principal horn of the royal concertgebouw!!! congrats katy!

[@cmcer1995]

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.

[@alangordon2831]

First time I've ever heard an explanation of how the French horn works, and I'm 75. So thank you.

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

You are most welcome! Thanks for spending time with us on the channel.

[@andrewramirez5512]

I like her style of playing in this excerpt. Fantastic demonstration.

[@hectorheath9742]

Breath of fresh air..crisp, bright, intelligent delivery.

[@lmaoroflcopter]

What a lovely summary of a beautiful instrument. I used to play Eb euphonium in school, before being forced into the Tuba (Windband and local orchestra lost their Tuba player) and ultimately giving up on brass playing. What I loved so dearly with the euphonium and horns in general really was the versatility. It was as at home playing a solo melody as it was playing as part of a complex layered arrangement. I always felt the Tuba never had that and think that's why brass lost its sparkle for me. Love it.

[@Aduysvmncmkouyf]

The tuba has versatility it just isn’t used for whatever reason.

[@ekcentrik]

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

[@smugcat6938]

I'm a french horn player. I don't need this I just like how this series explain things so much

[@jamesfilms_]

She makes it look to effortless, Jesus..

[@Birkan_Hallac]

The most beautiful member of orchestra. Thank you...

[@twigle3015]

Some additions Horns were used in long range hunting, from around 1650 with the first composed music being written around 1700. Lyrical horn writing has been possible from baroque times in the (very) high register (Telemann horn concerto in D second movement). With hand stopping (discovered in around 1745 by Hampl) also in the upper middle register. Then with valves in the low register and chromatic. At the time when the valve was discovered around 1830 (a very hard thing to make actually, a valve) people were used to a horn being played with stopped, fuzzy sounds. Just like today, people were not immediately smitten with the new sound of the valve horn. Several famous composers complained that this new sound was dull and colourless (Brahms, Berlioz). The valved horn was much more practical and around 1880 everyone got used to the new sound, so around 50 years of transition. At the Paris conservatoire natural horn kept being taught until well into the 20th century.

[@LightWthoutTheStatic]

This is absolutely mesmerizing.

[@djdizzidydoda9690]

I've been playing the horn for almost 3 years now and I have never know that covering the bell makes the note flater, no wonder why I've always been so sharp

[@lzemlick]

I love how much she knows about her craft and how into it she is. Very professional

[@maryf.6594]

I have found out many trumpets love the sound of the French horn and I love it! French horns where you at!

[@DaneBryantFrazier]

She's awesome!

[@tomleadbitter7165]

That was absolutely fascinating. As a music lover, but complete dunce at any actual playing, it was so interesting and you know your subject thoroughly, and your enthusiasm is obvious. Thanks so much.

[@bryanb5222]

I Soooo miss playing my horn!!! I love the way you describe it!!! I use to tear up on the "heroic" lines. Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral in 10th grade...raise the bells and up an octave!! 😀

[@pocketsizeforyourtravelcon3325]

I played first chair french horn all through middle/high school. I love the french horn so much! I played in band in college too but it was a marching/athletic band so we played mellophone. Now I play cornet in a community brass band but brass is always my first love!

[@kevincoston1518]

I landed on this video after searching for information about the French horn. And it was quite fortunate for me, in that this video was an enthusiastic and energetic presentation of the horn and method of playing, not to mention some history of the instrument that I found fascinating. Thank you for the excellent presentation, Katy Wooley.

[@thm4643]

If memory serves, Dennis Brain was principal horn player with the Philharmonia and recorded the 4 Mozart Horn concertos, under Von Karajan. A legendary recording that has been available since the mid 50s.

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

You are correct. We have a couple new pieces of content that discuss Dennis Brain and his legacy if you're interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJOln3eia7GrqLc and kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJ7SaHehadqFZ6c

[@MrHiratv]

I always asked myself why they placed the hand inside the horn. Now I repair on it. You've made a great channel! Really, everytime I finished watching to each video I wanted to play that instrument! Keep on working! I do not have an iPad, but as soon as I get one I'm utterly sure I'll download the app. Greetings from Mexico!

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

+Hermilo Isaac Rojas Thanks Hermilo, greetings from London!

[@mylesharris3050]

I play the horn you CUP your hand in the bell because it will have a different pitch when you play

[@Tidelsson]

I love French Horn majestic sound! It resonates with something inside me. Makes me imagine worlds I’ve never been.

[@bradsexton2315]

You call it romantic, I call it regal. Played reverently it takes on a royal feeling that exudes power.

[@bigosmusichideout8439]

My Niece plays the French Horn at her school. She has not played it very long but I wanted to find out more about the French Horn. Glad I did. Great video. You never stop learning!!

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Thank you very much! We're glad you liked the video, and hope your niece enjoys playing!

[@ZardoDhieldor]

Wow! I just found this video randomly surfing the web and I must say, it's the best introduction to an instrument I've ever seen! Good job!

[@rrss5497]

The music goes 'round and 'round and it comes out here." Brilliantly and simply explained. Wonderful!

[@Albeit_Jordan]

0:25 - 0:36 I just love how she delivers that sound with her lips so seriously lol

[@kuziokundera]

As a Trumpet player, I have always said that the Horn is probably the hardest (major) instrument of all the orchestral instruments to play, and play well. String instruments have it so easy, wind and brass have to play using every part of our body.

[@Aduysvmncmkouyf]

No we actually don’t use every part of our body? Strings use their arms and have to keep their head a certain way, albeit cellos and double basses, add one thing and that’s our mouth, You have absolutely no idea how hard it is to play a string instrument - Trombone player.

[@robertreid2241]

If angels play the trumpet, then God plays the horn.

[@somecrazdude2412]

Robert Reid I'm a trumpet player, and I approve this message. I have played F horn for like 6 months, and damn did I love it.

[@somecrazdude2412]

Robert Reid French Horn is life. Frack those notes.

[@AvantAveGarde]

Pretty sure an angel is playing the horn in this video

[@humberthumbert7657]

God plays the tuba. Everyone knows that.

[@jnroicario2859]

Humbert Humbert I agree with you, Everyone knows God plays the tuba!

[@matthewmillar3804]

This video is the best I've seen in this series (trumpet takes a close second). Very informative with lots of little deadpan one liners. No, it's not just because the presenter is cute!

[@rogerdodger8415]

I went to the theater in London with a live orchestra, and it was knew of the top experiences if my life. You gotta love the Brits!

[@fro0tyl0opy87]

I think I adore her as much as I adore the french horn!

[@entrzpy]

I wanted to play the Clarinet but now I'm gonna stick to my French Horn ❤️

[@muradhasan185]

I like how spontaneous and happy she is with this instrument! That's a lovely young lady!

[@carlnikolov]

She makes the horn sound easy to play! Its actually quite a beast!

[@frantisekvobecky1142]

Oh, I love Mahler's 6st symphony!!!😍

[@ernestconnell8087]

An outstanding video on the French horn.

[@bobjacobson858]

I've been interested in brass instruments for a long time, and just recently started playing them--starting with trombone, then trumpet, and the latest is euphonium. I learned a lot from this video because Ms. Woolley went into further detail than most demonstrations or articles about this instrument. Thanks for a wonderful presentation! FWIW, shortly after getting my trombone, I purchased a few mouthpieces from different brass instruments for fun, including trumpet, French horn and tuba. I was able to get higher notes on the trombone using the first two, but failed even to get good pedal tones with the tuba mouthpiece. The French horn mouthpiece allowed a similar range as the trumpet mouthpiece on the trumpet, but with this and on the trombone, the timbre was quite different. Now with the euphonium, the results are similar to that with the trombone. I have yet to be able to adapt the tuba mouthpiece to the euphonium, but I hope to try this later.

[@meh11235]

Absolute awesomeness, Trumpet here, always loved the Horn

[@shhtha]

French horn, harp and The flute are my favorite orch. instruments. You didn't metion John Williams. :( - Princess Leia's Theme - Binary Sunset - Han And Leia - Luke And Leia - Yoda And The Foce They all have beautiful French Horn parts

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Thank you for sharing this list!

[@cressidalia2582]

You forgot fawkes the pheonix from harry potter

[@AsuraCraft]

*Very lovely video, I have played french horn for 15 years and i have learned something new, ty.*

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

We love it when people learn something new!

[@CarlyWaarly]

How wonderful, photogenic, articulate and adorable!

[@Hanna-jt1sz]

My mum watched this video one year after I started playing the horn.. nice to come back Update: I just realized that she is actually one of my favorite horn players and my biggest inspiration for sound and she’s also the very first person I heard playing! Crazy

[@bikedawg]

Excellent educational video---thank you so much!

[@MiloDC]

I am so in love right now.

[@MsRandomPro]

I've always loved the sound from the french horn from my ever first encounter with it when i was about 8 or 9 years old, when my school had a field day to our towns music theater and there were an orchestra playing there and when i saw that instrument and later on heard it i melted and was hooked but never got a chance to practice playing it or own one.. but it's in my heart for ever, with my love for guitar, classical guitar and electrical guitar, the bassoon, and my love for music in general. Music is probably one of the best things we humans come up with and created, god i love it so much!!!

[@philmann3476]

So, you press the first valve down...the music goes down and a'round, whoa-oh-OH-oh-ah-Oh...and it comes out there. Got it. Seriously, fascinating and informative video. Once again, there's way more to this than meets the eye. Well done.

[@rjvandermark7642]

Very Skilled...Talent, Extremely Charming.

[@RoguePotatoes]

She is so brilliant. Kudos.

[@georgethakur]

but not really, since you're just kidding™

[@heronimousbrapson863]

The French horn always reminds me of the Flanders and Swann sketch "ill wind".

[@Tocsin-Bang]

I always wanted to play the french horn as a boy sixty years ago, sadly my parents couldn't afford an instrument, so it never happened. But now I can listen to some of the best horn players thanks to KZbin. I was introduced to the french horn by my secondary school music teacher Lt. Col Sam Rhodes, he loved Mozart.

[@zeinabahmad3806]

I'm in 6th grade and I'm so excited to get started on the French horn. Thanks for all the help!😊

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Excellent! We hope you enjoy learning and performing, good luck!

[@zeinabahmad3806]

Philharmonia Orchestra (London, UK) :)

[@LatoiKelly]

I'm in 6th grade,too ( I play the viola,though)

[@peterkiss9075]

I started horn in fifth grade, and I still play it in sixth, but be warned! In the beginning, it will be frustrating in band because we usually get the harmony. Also, if you don't practice, your tone will sound terrible, and your skill will go down.

[@zeinabahmad3806]

I was very disappointed because I am horrible at it so I changed to the flute. :)

[@redbirdsaraceno]

These videos are Great ! You orchestral musicians are an intelligent lot .

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Thanks!

[@michaelglendinning1738]

I am learning guitar and somehow found french horn videos. I have been watching french horn all night and I love it. Thank you.

[@himani8771]

I played horn in my band and at first, I regretted my choice (only because it was hard) and was thinking about going back to trumpet. Now I play trumpet, horn, and flute, and in advanced band I play horn as my main instrument. It just takes a little getting used to, and it turns really enjoyable. I seriously need to get a detachable bell...

[@zspringcatplayz5247]

SAME

[@Aduysvmncmkouyf]

I play trombone and tuba

[@brendonhalverson5178]

I love playing the French horn

[@Laetu]

This video makes me feel better about playing the French Horn! I hope I can reach her skill level one day...

[@SuperJbob1234]

i feel like all the horn players watching smile when she mentions the "horns up" bit because we all know the feeling of being able to blast a beautiful melody :)

[@sayuriserasinghe2061]

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

[@goatman86]

this finally answers my years long question of why do people stick their hands in there. thanks

[@simonbui2898]

wow, this was very informative! I really enjoyed listening to Katy too- very articulate and full of character. A pleasure learning... on to the next instrument! Hehe

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Thanks Simon, we're glad you enjoyed it!

[@bryanb5222]

Villanelle...I played as a Sophomore...took me months at that age, but I'll never forget how it felt to play it for the first time with an audience! I hope soon I can get back to it. Kathy Kaminsky...Imperial Symphony Orchestra!! Her husband Alex and her we're the best teachers I've ever had!!

[@RiceWitch-dingus-400]

Imo the best brass instrument. So beautiful and heroic.

[@SMCwasTaken]

Route 110

[@MrPisster]

Beautiful woman, beautiful instrument. I love the french horn's dynamics, as it's on the softer side.

[@Gamebreaker08]

It's always some creepy incel in the comment section talking about how beautiful a girl is.

[@Naka-wc3yo]

Gamebreaker08 stfu

[@hermanrobak1285]

@@Gamebreaker08 "It's always some creepy incel [yadda, copypasta]" Show us on the doll where the incel hurt you.

[@SuperGreenwing]

But she IS beautiful. Nothing wrong with saying it. It would be a different story if other more profane things were said, but my friend here was only complementing her.

[@TroyOi]

Great job of packing a ton of useful information into a quick eight minute video. (Any chance we can get Katy to do a crash course on General Relativity?) ;-)

[@briancaldwell5980]

Katy you are awesome! Thanks for a very informative video. I have only 4 months under my belt,

[@baritonebynight]

IMHO, the most beautiful sound, second only to a well trained human voice, is the sound of a well played horn. This coming from a retired horn player turned opera singer.

[@markusweissbacher189]

I wish i could be so good as you! Respect! Well I'm not in an Orchestra only in a music brass band but I love to play the Horn (by the way I'm an Es-Horn Player)

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

If you are committed to improving your playing, then you are already headed in the right direction.

[@derka2644]

very well delivered, actually found this very interesting, good job Katy, and very impressive considering how young young she is.

[@brianbergmusic5288]

The horn calmly imbues a sense of triumph. It does so without the brash storm of the trombone, or the rude shriek of the trumpet (not that I dislike those instruments). The horn fills the concert halls and our films with majesty -- a regal herald of the human spirit.

[@hiramabiff5557]

I don't mean to TOOT YOUR HORN but your absolutely gorgeous and super talented. The planet needs more humans like you.