An immensely important series of books, each one on a different instrument or group of instruments within the 'orchestral' family. Yehudi Menuhin was the general editor of the series originally launched in the 1970s. Every contribution is by an acknowledged master of his chosen instrument. The series is aimed at music students of all ages, amateur musicians, music teachers and all readers actively committed to music. It is the unique merit of the series that each book represents the individual view of its author (within an accepted framework) and, since each contributor is a musician of outstanding talent as well as an expert in his or her particular field, this approach gives the music guides their character and validity.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Barry Tuckwell was, until his retirement, one of the world's leading horn virtuosos and thus eminently suited to writing this Guide. This versatile musician combines a soloists experience, an orchestral player's inside knowledge and a conductor's broad view of the horn and its music. He tells the fascinating story of the taming of the horn from a loud, rough signalling instrument to one that is mellow and emotive - described by Schumann as the soul of the orchestra. The history of the horn we know today is closely related to technical developments both in playing and in writing, and with a wealth of musical examples Barry Tuckwell tells us of these changes and the people who made them. He then deals with the difficulties of building and maintaining this difficult instrument, providing invaluable insights into the practicalities of the craft. Useful advice is given on all aspects of learning, practising and playing for the beginner, amateur and teacher. Finally the reader is given the benefit of an inside view of the life of a professional horn player, whether rehearsing, recording or performing live down to so basic (and easily overlooked) a consideration as fatigue - the players' need to spread the load - the explanation for what often seems to the concert-goer to be one more horn player than is necessary.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
If Little Boy Blue had been a Brain.......,
By Robert S. Newman "Bob Newman" (Marblehead, Massachusetts USA) - See all my reviews (VINE VOICE) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Horn (Yehudi Menuhin music guides) (Hardcover)
Barry Tuckwell, from Melbourne, Australia, spent most of his life in the UK playing French horn in orchestras and as a soloist. In his later years, he has become an American citizen and is teaching in various places in the USA. No doubt he is the world's premier performer on this always-difficult instrument. As such, his book will be of interest to people concerned with the French horn, its development, history, and techniques. I doubt that there is any other book which covers the same ground with such a distinguished musician as the author. From discussion of shofars and hunting horns to detailed descriptions of valve technology, from biographies of famous horn players (such as the Brains of England) to instructions to students and teachers, it's all there. The text is sprinkled with numerous interesting photographs and diagrams. The chapter on composers and their use of French horn in various compositions is one of the most comprehensive. To say that Tuckwell "knows his stuff" is pretty much of an insult, coming from me. He's the world expert ! But unless you are a horn player or perhaps, the parent, wife, or husband of one, this book is going to prove rather too detailed or arcane. Can you sight-read music ? If not, a lot of pages are lost to you. I read HORN because it's a book of a totally different kind than I usually read. I got a lot of interesting information, but I was unfit to grasp much of what was offered. I fear that will be the case for most people. So, while this may be the five star book on the world of the French horn, it will remain a three star book for the average reader. It is necessarily aimed at horn players and other musicians. And by the way, neither Little Boy Blue nor Captain Horatio rate a mention
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
History and Context,
By bibliobob "bibliobob" (Northern CA, USA) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Horn (Yehudi Menuhin Music Guides) (Paperback)
Although it has a few hints for players, Horn is not a how-to on playing technique. Rather, it provides historic background and context for anyone interested in the French horn. It includes the following chapters:
PRINCIPLES OF BRASS PLAYING Very brief explanation of how a sound is produced and the harmonic series. ANCESTRY Survey starting with animal horns and sea shells used for signaling and military purposes. To metal hunting horns, later brought indoors as a novelty in theatrical performances, separate from the orchestra. To a full-fledged member of the orchestra and respected solo instrument. Includes brief descriptions and photos of the horn's design as it evolved, with drawings of the different kinds of valves used. COMPOSERS AND THE HORN Different approaches to writing music for the horn based on its evolution at the time and the composer's specific experience. As the horn was becoming accepted as a musical instrument, the most successful composers were those who had personal experience playing it, or close friends or relatives who did. Includes interesting comments on composers who didn't use it very well. SOME MASTERS OF THE HORN Early players, including some of the compositions they inspired. Includes brief information about national differences in technique. In the USA, he stops with three of Gumpert's students who immigrated from Europe (Horner, Pottag, Hess). I would have preferred he continue on to the next generation where distinctive American approaches evolved. But that would take us to the mid-20th century. So it would necessarily include people still living in 1983 and the author himself, who was a significant influence in both Britain and the US. That may be two good reasons for stopping when he did. BUILDING THE HORN The parts of the horn, comments on mouthpieces and mutes, insights into why modern horn players are required to transpose on the fly: because the earliest horn players weren't trained musicians. ADVICE FOR BEGINNERS Eleven pages of not very specific advice on types of horn (consult a good player), age (children too small to hold a horn properly should start on another brass instrument), right-hand technique, breathing (inhale only as much air as you need to get through the phrase), tonguing, lip trills. HORN PLAYER, ARTIST AND TECHNICIAN If a serious horn student found himself seated next to the author on an airplane, this might be what they'd talk about. Miscellaneous advice from an experienced artist who's had an amazing career. Horn is well-written, anecdotal, easy to read, and not at all academic. Many points are illustrated with photos and drawings, some with musical notation. The only horn players who wouldn't appreciate this as a gift are those who already own it. First published in 1983 (UK).
3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hard to find!,
This review is from: Horn (Yehudi Menuhin Music Guides) (Paperback)
There aren't many books about horn. The infamous horn soloist Barry Tuckwell did a great job introducing horn from all aspects in this book. A must for any Horn Lover!
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