Hi Larry,
Each position in the section has, IMHO, a personality
and it's own challenges. I prefer 2nd horn and play 2nd
in three orchestras. I play 1st in one orchestra and various
musical productions to keep up the high register and the
adrenalin rush. I like the 2nd position for the following reasons:
1 - One plays more because much of the orchestral rep uses only
two horns.
2 - One get to sit next to the best player in the section which
is normally more rewarding (depending, of course, on the orchestra).
3 - One gets to play in all four octaves more than the other positions
which gives more of an opportunity to develop a strong 4 octave range.
4 - One gets to play the occasional duet with the 1st horn.
5 - One can play all day in the range of the average music for 2nd horn.
6 - There is a great challenge for the 2nd because 2nd has to match the
intonation, phrasing, dynamics and tone of the 1st horn, especially when
playing duets with the 1st.
7 - .. etc., etc., etc., as the King would say.
The 1st horn is on the "hot seat", however, the second horn can make
or break him/her. The importance of the 2nd horn has been recognized
by the IHS (BTW, if you are not a member, go to hornsociety.org and join)
at international workshops with special sessions for 2nd horn players. I
don't believe there have been sessions for the other positions.
Try it .... you'll like it. If not, you can always ask to play 3rd .....
booooring.
Regards, Jerry
913-341-7694 (H)
913-226-6537 (C)
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