English Horn Etymology
English Horn Etymology
Introduction
The English horn, a member of the oboe family, is a double-reed woodwind instrument known for its unique sound and distinctive name. Despite its name, the English horn has an interesting etymology that connects it to both English and French cultural contexts.
The French Connection: Cor Anglais
The term “English horn” is a translation of the French name “cor anglais.” The French term, “cor anglais,” has its own intriguing history. It originated from a misunderstanding of the Middle High German term “engellisches Horn,” which translates to “angelic horn.”
The Linguistic Confusion
In Middle High German, the word “engellisch” had a dual meaning, referring to both angelic and English. This linguistic ambiguity led to the confusion in the translation of the instrument’s name. It is important to note that the English horn is not an English instrument, nor is it a horn in the traditional sense.
An Instrument of Melancholy
The English horn’s name may have come from its resemblance to the horns played by angels in Middle Age paintings. Its graceful and melancholic tone evoked a sense of celestial beauty, leading to its connection with heavenly beings.
The Journey to Popularity
The English horn has a rich history in European music. It has been in use since around 1740 but gained popularity at different times in various regions. In France, it became popular around 1800, while in England, its popularity grew around 1830.
The Instrument and Its Characteristics
The English horn is pitched in F, which is a perfect fifth lower than the oboe. It is approximately one-third longer than the oboe, giving it a distinct timbre and range. Its mellow and plaintive tone makes it a versatile instrument in orchestral and chamber music settings.
Conclusion
The English horn’s name, “cor anglais,” is a result of a linguistic misunderstanding stemming from the Middle High German term “engellisches Horn.” Despite its name, the English horn has found its place in the music of various cultures, enchanting listeners with its unique sound.
Sources:
- “Cor anglais” – Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cor_anglais
- “Why does the English horn have a French name, and the French horn an English name?” – Music: Practice & Theory Stack Exchange. Retrieved from https://music.stackexchange.com/questions/53263/why-does-the-english-horn-have-a-french-name-and-the-french-horn-an-english-nam
- “cor anglais” – Wiktionary. Retrieved from https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/cor_anglais
FAQs
English Horn Etymology
Why is the English horn called the “English horn”?
The English horn is called the “English horn” due to a translation of the French name “cor anglais.” The term “cor anglais” originated from a misunderstanding of the Middle High German term “engellisches Horn,” which means “angelic horn.” The dual meaning of the word “engellisch” in Middle High German, referring to both angelic and English, led to the confusion in the translation.
Is the English horn actually a horn?
No, despite its name, the English horn is not a horn in the traditional sense. It is a woodwind instrument, specifically a double-reed instrument, belonging to the oboe family.
How does the English horn differ from the French horn?
The English horn and the French horn are two distinct instruments. The English horn is a double-reed woodwind instrument, while the French horn is a brass instrument with a coiled tube and a large bell. The naming of these instruments is unrelated and does not reflect their origin or characteristics.
What is the pitch range of the English horn?
The English horn is pitched in F, which is a perfect fifth lower than the oboe. It has a rich and mellow tone and is capable of playing a wide range of expressive melodies in its lower register.
How does the English horn differ from the oboe?
The English horn differs from the oboe in several ways. Firstly, the English horn is larger and approximately one-third longer than the oboe. Secondly, it has a lower pitch, being tuned in F instead of the oboe’s C. Lastly, the English horn has a distinct timbre, characterized by a more somber and melancholic quality compared to the brighter sound of the oboe.
When did the English horn gain popularity in France and England?
The English horn has been used in parts of Europe since around 1740. However, it gained popularity in France around 1800 and in England around 1830. Prior to these periods, its usage and recognition were more limited.
How is the English horn commonly used in music?
The English horn has a versatile role in both orchestral and chamber music settings. It often plays expressive solos, adds color to ensemble passages, and contributes to the woodwind section’s harmonies and textures. Its rich and melancholic tone makes it particularly well-suited for lyrical and introspective melodies.
What is the historical significance of the English horn’s name?
The English horn’s name may have originated from its resemblance to the horns played by angels depicted in Middle Age paintings. Its association with celestial beauty led to the inclusion of the term “angelic” in its Middle High German name, which later became associated with the English language through a linguistic misunderstanding.