Why do french horn players have to play the instrument with their hands in it?

Answer 1

I've been playing music for around 7 years.

when i first started off as a trumpeter i was also puzzled why hornists insert their hand into bell of their french horn.

Now I've been playing the French Horn for 5 years. When i insert my hand into the bell, it will changes the pitch, becoming sharp or flat. The more i insert my hand inside the flatter it becomes the lesser i do it, the sharper.

Inserting your hand changes the type of sound too, it gives the horn a better sound, a rich and warm sound that's desired.

you could also "stop" the horn by covering the whole opening of the bell. It gives a muted like sound.

Other than that, it'll look weird if a horn player plays the horn with one hand eh? It'll make the player look funny. i nearly forgot about this, you can lift the horn with your right hand rather than letting it rest on your lap. Most professionals do this.

p.s. Dont mess with the horn.

Answer 2

It's not necessary, but it makes a much rounder, more beautiful sound if you place your hand in the bell of the horn. The way you position it changes the sound. The more hand, the more muffled and soft sound; less hand, a more hard and direct sound.

Answer 3

youre left hand is used to play the keys and the right is used to muffle the sound coming out of the bell.

Answer 4

So you can tune the instrument if needed. It also supports the horn if you don't have it sitting on your lap.

Answer 5

Because it's very awkward holding the instrument in any other way.