English Horn Etymology

English Horn Etymology

The Translation of “Cor Anglais”

The term “English horn” is a translation of the French term “cor anglais.” This translation raises the question of why the English horn has a French name and the French horn has an English name. To understand this, we need to explore the historical and linguistic origins of these instruments.

The Misunderstanding of “Engellisches Horn”

The name “cor anglais” originated from a misunderstanding of the Middle High German term “engellisches Horn,” which means “angelic horn.” In Middle High German, the word “engellisch” had a dual meaning, referring to both “angelic” and “English.” This dual meaning led to confusion in the translation of the term.

The English Horn: Not Actually a Horn

Despite its name, the English horn is not a horn at all. It is a double-reed woodwind instrument belonging to the oboe family. This instrument is pitched in F, which is one-fifth lower than the oboe, and it is approximately one-third longer than the oboe.

The Influence of Historical and Cultural Factors

The adoption of the name “English horn” for this instrument can be attributed to various historical and cultural factors. During the 17th and 18th centuries, French instrument makers were highly regarded for their craftsmanship and were influential in the development of woodwind instruments. The French term “cor anglais” became widely accepted as the name for this instrument in French-speaking countries, and it gradually gained recognition in other parts of the world as well.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the English horn’s name is a translation of the French term “cor anglais,” which originated from a misunderstanding of the Middle High German term “engellisches Horn.” Despite its name, the English horn is not of English origin but is a double-reed woodwind instrument in the oboe family. Its name reflects the historical and cultural influences that shaped its nomenclature.

Sources:

• “Cor anglais,” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cor_anglais (accessed on February 15, 2024).
• “Why does the English horn have a French name, and the French horn an English name?” Music: Practice & Theory Stack Exchange, https://music.stackexchange.com/questions/53263/why-does-the-english-horn-have-a-french-name-and-the-french-horn-an-english-nam (accessed on February 15, 2024).
• “cor anglais,” Wiktionary, https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/cor_anglais (accessed on February 15, 2024).

FAQs

Why is the English horn called the “English horn” if it’s not of English origin?

The English horn is called the “English horn” due to a translation of the French term “cor anglais.” Despite its name, the English horn is not actually of English origin but is a double-reed woodwind instrument in the oboe family.

What is the origin of the term “cor anglais”?

The term “cor anglais” originated from a misunderstanding of the Middle High German term “engellisches Horn,” which means “angelic horn.” The word “engellisch” in Middle High German had a dual meaning, referring to both “angelic” and “English,” leading to the confusion in the translation.

Why is the English horn not a horn but a woodwind instrument?

Despite its name, the English horn is not a horn at all. It is a double-reed woodwind instrument in the oboe family. The instrument is pitched in F, which is one-fifth lower than the oboe, and it is approximately one-third longer than the oboe.

Why did the English horn receive a French name?

The adoption of the name “English horn” for this instrument can be attributed to historical and cultural factors. During the 17th and 18th centuries, French instrument makers were highly regarded for their craftsmanship and played a significant role in the development of woodwind instruments. As a result, the French term “cor anglais” became widely accepted as the name for this instrument in French-speaking countries and gained recognition in other parts of the world as well.

How does the English horn differ from the oboe?

The English horn differs from the oboe in pitch and size. It is pitched in F, which is one-fifth lower than the oboe. Additionally, the English horn is approximately one-third longer than the oboe, which contributes to its distinctive sound and timbre.

What is the role of the English horn in orchestral music?

The English horn plays a crucial role in orchestral music, often serving as a solo instrument or providing melodic lines and expressive solos within the woodwind section. Its rich and melancholic sound adds depth and color to orchestral compositions, making it a versatile and important instrument in the ensemble.

Is the English horn commonly used in other musical genres besides classical music?

While the English horn is primarily associated with classical music and orchestral settings, it has also found its way into other musical genres. It can occasionally be heard in film scores, jazz, and contemporary music, adding a unique and expressive element to these diverse musical styles.

How does the English horn compare to the French horn?

The English horn and the French horn are two distinct instruments with different characteristics. The English horn is a double-reed woodwind instrument, while the French horn is a brass instrument. They have different playing techniques, sounds, and roles within musical ensembles. The naming of these instruments reflects historical and linguistic factors rather than any direct connection between them.