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Posted (edited)

Hello,

transposition-chart.jpg

As I understand that the French Horn's standard range reaches as high as sounding-pitch F5 (F a Perfect 4th above 'High C'), are any of the horns that transposes up able to reach a B5 (half-step below C6)? What are the sounding ranges of these horns, specifically their highest standard playable note? Would most or all of them be the same as the French Horn (F5), written in their respective transposition? 

I've written a chamber orchestra Sonatina (Classical-era style!), with a non-Trumpet Brass part that requires a range up to B5, which I understand is difficult for an FH to achieve, without it being played by some professionally virtuosic Hornist.   My goal is to find a Horn which standard range would include these high-sounding notes above F5.

As you can see in the attached sample below, which is the Expositon's transition into the second tonal theme, the non-Trpt. Brass instrument would reach a high A#5. (In the recapitulation section, which isn't shown, the second-tonal theme contains a horn accomp. passage that does reach a B5.)

Thanks to all for your help.

Screenshot 2024-01-19 222152.png

Edited by ARCMusicPublishings
Posted

Triple horns are available, the higher register in B flat (4th above the F range). People who play Handel's horn parts often use these instruments. They don't come cheap, I understand!

Posted

I thought I replied to Quinn days ago. (Blasted internet connection back at that library... >=S)

Quinn, thanks for the instrumental reference. I've never heard of a Triple-Horn before. Needless to say, there are many variations of classical instruments that I haven't learned about.

(For example, we have a 5- and 6-string Violin-Viola combo, which range spans from a Viola to a Violin on C-,G-,D-,A- and E-string. With the size of a Violin, C-string sounds very nasily. And then, some 5-string Viola variation has an F-String, which serves as some Alta Profunda to C-String. Sorry, totally off the topic at hand!)

I don't think I found a Wikipedia article on the Triple-Horn. When was it invented? Better yet, was it used during the Classical Period? The Symphonic Sonatina that I wrote above is meant to "accurately" illustrate the styles of the Classical era, so I wanted to be as "accurate" as possible.

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