The horn: A comprehensive guide to the modern instrument & its music

During the past 50 years, the horn has undergone revolutionary changes in its construction; horn technique and the type of music written for the horn have changed accordingly. Robin Gregory, an enthusiastic player of this fascinating instrument, makes an exhaustive study of the subject, giving a detailed and up-to-date account which, in the 1961 edition, won recognition as an important study of the horn and its development. After an introductory chapter and a brief history of the evolution of the horn, the author makes a thorough analysis of the mechanics and acoustical properties of horns. Part II is concerned with the various physiological difficulties, such as breath control and the embouchure, and Part III deals with the many problems of technique. New material in this revised and enlarged volume includes “The Horn in the Orchestra” and “The Horn in Chamber Music” together with a comprehensive list of works for the horn, an especially valuable feature of this revised edition. With its many diagrams and illustrations, this is an invaluable guide for all who are interested in wind instruments and their music. The son of professional musicians Robin Gregory was educated at Christ’s Hospital and St. Catherine’s College, Cambridge, where he took an honours degree in chemistry and biology. Most of his working life since then has been spent in teaching these subjects at a public school in Sussex. He became particularly interested in wind instruments at an early age and began by playing the oboe. Later he turned to the horn as a result of discovering this instrument while moving. So strong a hold did it gain over him that, ever since, it has been his major preoccupation outside his work. This book is the outcome of Gregory’s long interest in the horn, both as a player and as a student of the instrument in all its aspects.