A rich and fascinating account of one of music history’s most ancient, varied, and distinctive instruments
 
From its origins in animal horn instruments in classical antiquity to the emergence of the modern horn in the seventeenth century, the horn appears wherever and whenever humans have made music. Its haunting, timeless presence endures in jazz and film music, as well as orchestral settings, to this day.
 
In this welcome addition to the Yale Musical Instrument Series, Renato Meucci and Gabriele Rocchetti trace the origins of the modern horn in all its variety. From its emergence in Turin and its development of political and diplomatic functions across European courts, to the revolutionary invention of valves, the horn has presented in innumerable guises and forms. Aided by musical examples and newly discovered sources, Meucci and Rocchetti’s book offers a comprehensive account of an instrument whose history is as complex and fascinating as its music.

“An excellent book, one which should become an important reference work on the instrument for many years to come.”—John Humphries, author of The Early Horn

“Unlike anything on the horn to date, packed with detailed information, invaluable on organology. An extensive work.”—Thomas Hiebert, Professor of Music, California State University, Fresno

Renato Meucci directs the Cultural Heritage department of the celebrated Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome. Gabriele Rocchetti is horn professor at the Conservatory Luca Marenzio, and a fine natural horn player.