Types of French Horns
This horn is in the key of F and Bb because it has F tubing on one side and Bb tubing on the other side, which are separated by a trigger. This horn has three valves and an extra trigger to change the airflow to the side in the key of F from the side in key of Bb. Having the horn in the key of F and Bb gives the opportunity for more complex playing by being able to play a larger range of notes.
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The triple horn has an additional set of tubing to the double horn. The additional set of tubing adds a high F or Eb section to assist higher register. This horn is much heavier in weight and higher in costs which affects the amount of purchases, so most professional players use a double French horn.
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The Vienna horn generally has the same history as the French horn up to the evolution of the natural horn. Vienna horns are generally found and played in Vienna, Australia today. A big difference between the French horn and the Vienna horn is that, on the French horn, pressing a valve down opens an airway inside the tubing, you are not able to actually see the airway open. On a Vienna horn, when you press a valve you can see it open on the outside of the instrument. The video below shows a comparison between the double horn and the Vienna horn.
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The natural horn is basically a long piece of tube coiled in a specific way. The player places their hand in the bell which allows controlling the open notes. When a player places their hand over the bell, these are closed notes. To play the natural horn the player can move the position of their hand in the bell to reach chromatic notes.
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