I have read the preceding arguments with some interest. I have played
principal, second, and fourth horn professionally (occasionally subbing on
third, plus an extra like 5th, 7th or even Wagner tuba) in orchestras and
played horn 1-4 in professional bands. If this were a band, I would probably
recommend third, but for orchestra, things are more complicated. One thing,
however, that should not sway your decision is the prevalence of solos. In an
orchestra, all of the horn parts are solo parts and require solo capable
players (in other words, in a modern orchestra everyone must be able to play
everything in the entire range of the instrument). As I have written before,
the literature has many solos for all horn parts. Using second horn as an
example, look through the Beethoven symphonies, remember that the Rite of
Spring starts with solo bassoon and second horn, Ein Heldenleben's opening horn
solo is restated by the second hornist 16 measures later, down a minor third!
Here is the way that most of the hornists in orchestras that I have played in
view the standard horn section:
Principal (also sometimes called Solo horn): Provides style, intonation and
section leadership.
Second horn: Shares brain stem with Principal. If the principal provides the
style, the second horn either makes or breaks it (another way of saying this
is: The principal provides the style; the second horn sets the style). Playing
second is a lot like playing catch* with the principal horn.
Third horn: Either is a second principal horn (if the music is paired with
horns 1&2 in one key and 3&4 in another), assistant to the principal (many
times the principal will lay out if the third doubles first), or provides the
loudness in loud high playing. Of course, sometimes the third player is just
the third player (Richard Deane wrote a great article for The Horn Call about
this).
Fourth horn: Either shares brain stem with the 3rd horn or provides the
foundation of the quartet sound.
I am aware that some people may find this controversial. This is, however,
what works in the region that I live and play in. As an additional disclaimer,
I won the fourth horn in the orchestra I play in. When the second horn position
opened up, I auditioned and won the second position (which I currently hold).
When the third horn position opened up, I did not audition, even though it may
have increased my chance to sub as principal for one simple reason: We play
more stuff for only two horns then there are opportunities to sub as principal.
In other words, the pay (and play!) is better.
Respectfully Submitted,
Scott Young
* "Catch" is an American game of tossing a (base)ball back and forth.
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