In the Raw, French Hunting Horns

Show and tell.

This video of traditional French hunting horn champions captures a unique style that for the uninitiated, can be quite a shock to listen to. The tone quality is raw and primitive — sometimes raucous — and the vibrato is slow and wide.

I think it is pretty darned cool.

[There is an old Hermann Baumann recording that exists (or existed) of this traditional style. I cannot remember the title, but perhaps someone could please mention it in the comments section. I have been looking to purchase it if possible.]

The video is dark, but I happen to own a Couesnon Hunting Horn in D that I imagine is a similar, if not the same, instrument being used in this video.

Its beauty lies in its sheer simplicity — no crooks, just a simple wrap with a small mouthpiece and bell.

These instruments are meant to be played without the hand in the bell. For giggles, I have tried hand horn technique on this instrument, but it is virtually impossible due to the small diameter of the bell throat.

The thing that is most difficult for me to get used to with this horn is the very thin rim on the mouthpiece. It is only about 2mm wide and it slopes inwards into the cup. There is no bite or grip to speak of on this mouthpiece.

Compared to a traditional horn mouthpiece rim, it feels almost like a razor blade on the lips. One supposes that this contributes to its unique sound.

Because the receiver end of the instrument is so small, this mouthpiece is the only one that will fit. There is no alternative choice for a different mouthpiece.

In order to play this horn, you must play on the edge … on a sharp edge that is.