Flexibility

The many different roles that a horn plays in an orchestra demands an enormous amount of flexibility. Producing a sound that can compete with a vibrant brass section is much different than sounding like a delicate woodwind instrument. Blending in with the cello and viola sections is another very important aspect of our chameleon like instrument. Before the advent of valves the role of the horn was often to sustain just one note within the harmony of a piece. The lush overtone structure of a natural horn adds flesh to the bones of the harmony and augments the sound color of the ensemble. Robert Schumann dubbed the horn „die Seele das Orchesters“ ( the soul of the orchestra ) because of these functions. Sometimes after fulfilling all of these requirements one after the other without a single measures rest, a pianissimo transition is played completely alone.

The combination of a flexible support air support system with an efficient embouchure is the first step to fulfilling all of these varied requirements.

The widespread method of using the diaphragm to develop support quite often leads to rigidiity and actually reduces the efficiency of the air column. I have developed a method that uses yoga and Alexander Technique to activate larger muscle groups. This allows a distribution of tension to develop an efficient, flexible „air bow“.

As a student of Philp Farkas I had the opportunity to learn from him about the proper function of an embouchure. His book The Art of Brass Playing with photographic studies of embouchures, was the first extensive research about the use of the lips in brass playing. The embouchure problems I had to solve after my dental accident necessitated a further analysis of the function of the facial muscles and has proved to be very helpful not only to rebuild my own playing but also in helping others to develop a flexible and effective embouchure.

The use of yoga and Alexander Technique are also the basis of the method I use to relax my body and focus my mind in concert. A short explanation, including giving Sarah Willis a basic yoga lesson can be watched online.