 The Fingering Forum
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Author: musichick
Date: 2004-05-04 23:50
My school recently rented an english horn, and I got the chance to play it for the first time the other day. I absolutely love it! I think it's easier to play than the oboe... although it just might have been the quality horn. I don't actually have any specific question, just thought I would maybe start a general conversation about this awesome instrument...
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Author: dboe
Date: 2004-05-05 01:46
it's definitely a great instrument, as is any double reed. I find the high register a new and refreshing challenge, in my attempts to make it not sound too squirrly. Of course the decrease in backlogged pressure is nice as well. Have fun with the "cor"!
Dboe
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Author: Amanda
Date: 2004-05-05 03:26
I also think the English horn is much easier-blowing than the oboe. . . but then again, I'm not much of an oboe player. One of my oboe (and English horn) -playing friends told me that the name "Cor anglaise" came from the original name, "cor angle," meaning "angled horn" (referring to the angled bocal). There's nothing particularly "English" about it, they just misquoted the name. I thought that was interesting.
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Author: Davide
Date: 2004-05-05 06:35
I often play EH and it is one of the best (for me) instruments to play, because I love its low register! The thing that told Amanda about the history of its name is not complitely true: as I know the name English Horn becomes from French "cor angle" (angled horn) because the instrument, in 19th century, were built with an angle in the middle of it.
(you can see it on http://www.williampetit.com/cor-anglais.htm)
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Author: Amanda
Date: 2004-05-05 12:03
You're right on that one Davide. . . my mistake.
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Author: Flautist
Date: 2004-05-07 13:49
Yar, I read in a book which says that the English Horn is neither 'English' nor is it a 'Horn', unless the name would suggest.
I think that English Horn has a rather sad tone, and able blow with exquisite expressions.
Also, I STRONGLY recommend English Horn lovers to listen to this very sad piece, Dvorak's New World Symphony(largo). I personally like this piece(it is one of my favourite slow pieces, although I am a flautist).This is an extremely sad solo piece for the most suitable instrument: the English Horn, for its pungent tone and solemn qualities.
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Author: Oboe
Date: 2004-05-07 20:33
i love that piece ~ even though i have heard it played by oboe...?
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Author: Wes
Date: 2004-05-08 04:15
Yes, the EH is a fine sounding instrument and I've played it and the oboe many times with orchestras. Dvorak was a super genius composer. The oboe parts are also a challenge in this piece, especially if the conductor is not so familiar with it.
The EH is as difficult as the oboe, I believe. The reed must be just as stable and resonant and is generally harder to make. The reed and the EH can both more easily get out of adjustment than the oboe. The EH reed has another degree of freedom in adjustment with the wire used. The EH can easily be played out of tune if the reed is not stable. The Loree EH has more adjustments than the Loree oboe, which has plenty of them. When I play in an orchestra, I generally leave the EH at home, unless I'm requested to bring it, as it takes more time to prepare to play both. I've been criticized for that view. Right now, the Loree EH is close to $8000 new while the new Loree oboe is pushing $5500 or $6000. The price of admission to oboe playing is very high, including endless practice time. Good luck!
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Author: frenchie
Date: 2004-05-16 12:56
I heard dvorak symphony on TV a few times ago (in czech republic, they're just celebrating his death aniversary) and I think it's one of the most beautiful english horn parts I've ever heard. Well, the one in Sibelius Pelléas and Mélisande is also terrific,isn't it...
Actually, I'm only playing the oboe,but I recently tried the english horn and fell in love with it.I love its sweet and sad sound which is so melancholic
Maybe is it because I am originally an alto sax player, but it seems easier than the oboe.
Unfortunately, even Rigoutat beginner models are turning around 2500 euros... my band is not wealthy enough to get one,and I'm frustrated!!!
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