"The French horn, first developed in the 1680s, was originally used to signal the beginning of a hunt, according to Horn History. However, as composers began writing more complex music for the horn, its structure and tonal characteristic changed.Brass or Woodwind. The French horn is technically a brass instrument because it is made of brass. However, its warm mellow sound blends well with woodwinds, which is why composers began writing it into woodwind quintets, according to the International Music Foundation of Chicago.
Brass Quintet: The versatility of the French horn is such that it can also be part of a brass quintet.
French Horn and Saxophone: The French horn is so similar to woodwind instruments that it often shares parts with the alto saxophone in larger band settings. Both of these instruments, in fact, can be seen as a link between the brass and the woodwind family.
French Horn and Flute: The flute is a woodwind often mistaken for brass because it is made out of metal, usually silver or gold. Unlike the French horn, though, the flute is a true woodwind and was originally made from roof, though it produces sound by air passing over an opening instead of vibrating a reed.
Hand in Bell: Most French horn players support the horn by sticking their hand in the bell. According to McAnulty College's School of Music, this also mutes the tone and gives the French horn the mellower, distant tone for blending with woodwinds."
Source: Horn Planet: History of the French Horn
Chicago International Music Foundation: Questions About Woodwind Quintet
McAnulty School of Music: French Horn Information
Read more: Why is there a French horn in a woodwind quintet? | Answerbag http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/1927779#ixzz35sGLV9YY
Brass Quintet: The versatility of the French horn is such that it can also be part of a brass quintet.
French Horn and Saxophone: The French horn is so similar to woodwind instruments that it often shares parts with the alto saxophone in larger band settings. Both of these instruments, in fact, can be seen as a link between the brass and the woodwind family.
French Horn and Flute: The flute is a woodwind often mistaken for brass because it is made out of metal, usually silver or gold. Unlike the French horn, though, the flute is a true woodwind and was originally made from roof, though it produces sound by air passing over an opening instead of vibrating a reed.
Hand in Bell: Most French horn players support the horn by sticking their hand in the bell. According to McAnulty College's School of Music, this also mutes the tone and gives the French horn the mellower, distant tone for blending with woodwinds."
Source: Horn Planet: History of the French Horn
Chicago International Music Foundation: Questions About Woodwind Quintet
McAnulty School of Music: French Horn Information
Read more: Why is there a French horn in a woodwind quintet? | Answerbag http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/1927779#ixzz35sGLV9YY
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