French Horns and Film Music

The horn is often referred to as an "endangered species," meaning it is not a popular choice of instrument for learners. Many people outside of the musical world might not even recognise the sound or sight of the instrument!

However, people hear the horn frequently in their favourite movies all the time. Composers love to use the French horn in film music because of its ability to convey many different scenes and emotions, from heroic to romantic!

Here are some examples of the different ways composers use the instrument. Notice the romance in the opening to "Can you feel the love tonight" from The Lion King, the mystical horn solo in the opening to Jurassic Park, the sense of adventure in TV's adaptation of Black Beauty and the action drama in The Incredibles and Narnia.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCebAa9qKz8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8zlUUrFK-M

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIeA-ETWk0I&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZUHlrir4Og

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EH6sFj1hHnM