21 Most Famous French Horn Players In The World (Must Hear)

The French horn, with its rich and warm tone, has captivated audiences for centuries, playing a pivotal role in orchestras, chamber music, and solo performances. Over the years, a select group of virtuoso players has risen to prominence, shaping the sound and technique of the instrument while inspiring countless musicians around the world.

This article explores the lives and careers of some of the most famous French horn players, whose exceptional talent and dedication have left an indelible mark on the world of classical music.

From the concert halls of Europe to Hollywood studios, these horn players have pushed the boundaries of what the instrument can achieve, setting new standards of excellence for future generations.

21 Most Popular & Famous French Horn Players that You Should Know

These horn players have left a significant mark on the world of music, both as performers and educators, influencing the next generation of musicians.

Here’s a list of 21 famous French horn players, known for their contributions to both classical music and beyond:

#1 Dennis Brain

Dennis Brain (1921–1957) is often regarded as one of the greatest French horn players of all time. Born into a musical family, Brain’s father and uncle were both accomplished horn players. Brain joined the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the age of 21 and later became the principal horn of the Philharmonia Orchestra.

His technique and musicality were unmatched, and he played a crucial role in popularizing the French horn as a solo instrument. His recordings, particularly of Mozart’s horn concertos, are still considered benchmarks. Tragically, Brain’s career was cut short when he died in a car accident at the age of 36, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire horn players worldwide.

#2 Barry Tuckwell

Barry Tuckwell (1931–2020) was an Australian horn virtuoso and conductor, widely recognized for his extraordinary skill and artistry. He began playing the horn at age 13 and joined the Sydney Symphony Orchestra at 15. Tuckwell’s career took him to London, where he became the principal horn of the London Symphony Orchestra at the age of 24.

He later pursued a successful solo career, performing with major orchestras around the world and recording extensively. Tuckwell was also a respected conductor and educator, authoring several books on horn technique. His influence on the horn world is immense, and he remains one of the most recorded horn players in history.

#3 Hermann Baumann

Hermann Baumann (b. 1934) is a German horn player known for his exceptional technique and expressive playing. Originally a jazz drummer, Baumann switched to the French horn and quickly rose to prominence. He won the prestigious ARD International Music Competition in Munich in 1964, which launched his international career.

Baumann has performed with major orchestras and as a soloist, and his recordings, especially of classical and romantic horn repertoire, are highly acclaimed. He has also been a dedicated teacher, influencing a new generation of horn players through his work at institutions like the Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen, Germany.

#4 Dale Clevenger

Dale Clevenger (1940–2022) was a prominent American horn player, best known for his long tenure as principal horn of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, a position he held from 1966 to 2013. Clevenger’s powerful sound, technical brilliance, and musicality made him one of the leading horn players of his generation.

He was also a sought-after soloist and chamber musician, performing with renowned ensembles and orchestras worldwide. Clevenger’s teaching career was equally distinguished; he mentored many of today’s top horn players. His influence on the American horn tradition is profound, and his recordings, particularly with the Chicago Symphony, are considered essential listening for horn players.

#5 Radek Baborák

Radek Baborák (b. 1976) is a Czech horn virtuoso known for his extraordinary technical abilities and expressive playing. A child prodigy, Baborák won several international competitions at a young age and joined the Czech Philharmonic at just 18. He later became the principal horn of the Berlin Philharmonic, one of the most prestigious positions in the orchestral world.

Baborák has also enjoyed a successful solo career, performing with top orchestras and at major festivals. He is known for his versatility, playing a wide range of repertoire from classical to contemporary music. Baborák’s influence extends to his work as a conductor and his dedication to teaching the next generation of horn players.

#6 Stefan Dohr

Stefan Dohr (b. 1965) is a German horn player who has served as the principal horn of the Berlin Philharmonic since 1993. Renowned for his flawless technique, warm tone, and musical depth, Dohr is one of the leading horn players of his generation. Before joining the Berlin Philharmonic, he held principal horn positions with the Frankfurt Opera and the Bayreuth Festival Orchestra.

Dohr is also a celebrated soloist, performing with major orchestras around the world and collaborating with renowned conductors. His recordings, including concertos by Mozart, Strauss, and contemporary composers, are highly regarded. Dohr is also a dedicated teacher, sharing his expertise with students at various institutions and masterclasses.

#7 Sarah Willis

Sarah Willis (b. 1968) is a British horn player who has gained international recognition both as a performer and as an advocate for classical music. She became the first female horn player to join the Berlin Philharmonic in 2001, a prestigious position she continues to hold. Willis is also well known for her engaging educational work, particularly through her “Horn Hangouts” series, where she interviews prominent musicians and shares insights into the world of classical music.

In addition to her work with the Berlin Philharmonic, Willis is an active soloist and chamber musician. She has been instrumental in bringing the French horn to a wider audience through her innovative use of social media and educational initiatives.

#8 Philip Farkas

Philip Farkas (1914–1992) was an American horn player and educator who made a lasting impact on the world of French horn playing. He served as the principal horn of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for nearly three decades and played with several other major American orchestras throughout his career. Farkas was also a highly respected teacher, known for his methodical approach to horn playing, which he detailed in his influential book The Art of French Horn Playing.

His contributions to horn pedagogy have influenced generations of horn players, making him one of the most important figures in the history of the instrument. Farkas was not only a performer of the highest caliber but also a key figure in establishing modern horn technique and teaching methods.

#9 Alan Civil

Alan Civil (1929–1989) was a British horn player renowned for his contributions to both orchestral and solo horn playing. He served as principal horn of the Philharmonia Orchestra and the BBC Symphony Orchestra and was a member of the London Symphony Orchestra.

Civil is perhaps best known for his performance in The Beatles’ For No One, where his horn solo has become iconic. He also had a successful solo career, recording the works of Mozart, Strauss, and other major composers. Civil was a professor at the Royal College of Music, where he influenced many of the next generation of horn players. His legacy includes a rich discography and a reputation as one of the leading horn players of his time.

#10 Peter Damm

Peter Damm (b. 1937) is a German horn player celebrated for his long tenure as principal horn of the Dresden Staatskapelle, one of the most prestigious orchestras in the world. He joined the orchestra in 1969 and held the position for over three decades, becoming a prominent figure in the German orchestral scene. Damm is known for his exceptional technique and expressive playing, particularly in the works of Richard Strauss, which he has recorded extensively.

He has also been a dedicated educator, teaching at the Hochschule für Musik Carl Maria von Weber in Dresden, where he trained many successful horn players. Damm’s contributions to both performance and teaching have made him one of the most respected horn players in the world.

#11 David Ohanian

David Ohanian is an American horn player who gained prominence as a member of the Empire Brass Quintet and the Canadian Brass, two of the most famous brass ensembles in the world. His work with these groups helped to elevate the profile of the French horn in chamber music, and he is known for his virtuosic playing and engaging stage presence. Ohanian has also performed as principal horn with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and other leading ensembles.

His recordings with Empire Brass and Canadian Brass are widely acclaimed, and he has contributed significantly to the expansion of the brass chamber music repertoire. Ohanian’s influence extends to his teaching, where he has inspired many young horn players through his work at institutions like Boston University.

#12 Marie-Luise Neunecker

Marie-Luise Neunecker (b. 1955) is a German horn player recognized for her extraordinary skill and musicality. She began her career as principal horn of the Bamberg Symphony and the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra before focusing on a solo career that has taken her to major concert halls around the world.

Neunecker has worked closely with contemporary composers, premiering several new works for the horn, and her recordings of the standard horn repertoire are highly regarded. She is also a dedicated teacher, holding a professorship at the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler in Berlin, where she has mentored many of today’s leading horn players. Neunecker’s contributions to both performance and education have made her one of the most influential horn players of her generation.

#13 Vincent DeRosa

Vincent DeRosa (b. 1920) is an American horn player who is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished studio musicians in history. Over his long career, DeRosa played on thousands of film scores, television shows, and recordings, contributing to the soundtracks of iconic films like Star Wars, Jaws, and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. His impeccable technique and versatility made him a first-call horn player for Hollywood’s top composers, including John Williams, Jerry Goldsmith, and Elmer Bernstein.

DeRosa also performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and other major orchestras, but it is his work in the studio that has earned him legendary status. His influence on the sound of the French horn in popular culture is unparalleled, and he has set a standard for studio horn playing that continues to be emulated by musicians today.

#14 Kerry Turner

Kerry Turner (b. 1960) is an American horn player and composer, known for his work as a member of the American Horn Quartet. Turner’s compositions for horn have become staples in the horn repertoire, and his performances with the quartet have earned critical acclaim worldwide.

He is known for his dynamic playing style and his ability to blend traditional horn techniques with contemporary music. Turner’s works often draw on his experiences and interests, incorporating elements of folk music, historical themes, and narrative storytelling. In addition to his performing and composing, Turner is an active educator, conducting masterclasses and workshops around the world. His contributions to both the performance and composition of horn music have made him a significant figure in the brass community.

#15 Frank Lloyd

Frank Lloyd (b. 1952) is a British horn player renowned for his versatility and mastery of both the modern and natural horn. He has had a distinguished career as a soloist, orchestral musician, and chamber player. Lloyd was a member of the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble and the Nash Ensemble and has performed with leading orchestras worldwide. His discography includes numerous recordings of both standard horn repertoire and lesser-known works.

Lloyd is also a dedicated educator, serving as a professor at the Folkwang University of the Arts in Germany and conducting masterclasses globally. His influence on the development of horn playing, particularly in the United Kingdom, has been profound, and he is widely regarded as one of the foremost horn players of his generation.

#16 Günter Högner

Günter Högner (b. 1943) is an Austrian horn player best known for his long tenure as principal horn of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the most prestigious orchestras in the world. Högner’s playing is characterized by its warm, rich tone and impeccable technique, which have made him a leading figure in the world of orchestral horn playing. He has performed as a soloist with the Vienna Philharmonic and other major orchestras, earning acclaim for his interpretations of the classical and romantic horn repertoire.

Högner has also been a dedicated teacher, influencing a generation of horn players through his work at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna. His contributions to the Vienna Philharmonic’s distinctive sound and his influence on the Austrian school of horn playing have cemented his legacy as one of the great horn players of the 20th century.

#17 Dale Johnson

Dale Johnson (b. 1945) is an American horn player known for his work with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, where he served as principal horn for many years. Johnson’s playing is celebrated for its lyrical beauty, precision, and expressive depth, making him a standout performer in both the operatic and orchestral worlds.

In addition to his work with the Met, Johnson has performed as a soloist and chamber musician, collaborating with some of the finest musicians in the world. He is also a respected teacher, having taught at institutions such as the Manhattan School of Music and the Juilliard School. Johnson’s contributions to the horn community, particularly in the context of opera, have made him a highly regarded figure in the world of French horn playing.

#18 Mason Jones

Mason Jones (1919–2009) was an American horn player who served as the principal horn of the Philadelphia Orchestra for over four decades, from 1942 to 1986. Jones’s playing was characterized by its smooth, polished tone and remarkable consistency, which made him a cornerstone of the Philadelphia Orchestra’s brass section during his tenure. He was also an accomplished soloist, performing with the orchestra and recording extensively.

Jones was known for his interpretations of the classical horn repertoire, particularly the works of Mozart and Strauss. In addition to his performance career, Jones was a dedicated teacher, influencing many of today’s leading horn players through his work at the Curtis Institute of Music. His contributions to the American horn tradition are immense, and he is remembered as one of the finest horn players of the 20th century.

#19 Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson (b. 1954) is a British horn player known for his work as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player. He was the principal horn of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and later the Philharmonia Orchestra before pursuing a successful freelance career. Thompson has performed with leading orchestras around the world and is particularly noted for his interpretations of both standard and contemporary horn repertoire.

His recordings, including the complete Mozart horn concertos, have received critical acclaim. In addition to his performance career, Thompson is a respected teacher, holding positions at the Royal Academy of Music in London and conducting masterclasses worldwide. His influence on horn playing in the UK and beyond is significant, and he continues to be an active and influential figure in the world of classical music.

#20 Lowell Greer

Lowell Greer (b. 1945) is an American horn player known for his expertise in historical performance and the natural horn. Greer has had a distinguished career as both a performer and educator, specializing in historically informed performances of 18th- and 19th-century horn music. He has performed with leading period instrument ensembles and orchestras, and his recordings of classical and romantic horn repertoire on natural horn are highly regarded.

Greer has also been a dedicated teacher, sharing his knowledge of historical horn techniques with students at institutions such as the University of Michigan and Bowling Green State University. His work in the field of historical performance has made a significant contribution to the revival of interest in the natural horn, and he is widely respected as one of the foremost experts in this area.

#21 Andrew Bain

Andrew Bain (b. 1978) is an Australian horn player who has served as the principal horn of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since 2011. Bain is known for his powerful, yet lyrical playing and has been a key figure in the LA Philharmonic’s brass section. He has performed as a soloist with the orchestra, including premieres of new works, and is also an active chamber musician.

Bain is a respected teacher, serving on the faculty at the Colburn School in Los Angeles and conducting masterclasses worldwide. His influence on the next generation of horn players is significant, and his contributions to the LA Philharmonic’s sound and repertoire have established him as one of the leading horn players of his generation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is considered the most influential French horn player in classical music history?

Dennis Brain is widely regarded as the most influential French horn player in classical music history, known for his exceptional technique and iconic recordings. His work popularized the horn as a solo instrument and set a standard for future generations.

Which French horn player is famous for their work in Hollywood film scores?

Vincent DeRosa is renowned for his prolific career as a studio musician, contributing to countless Hollywood film scores like Star Wars and Jaws. His versatility and expertise made him a go-to horn player for top composers.

Who was the first female French horn player to join the Berlin Philharmonic?

Sarah Willis made history as the first female French horn player to join the Berlin Philharmonic in 2001. She is also well-known for her educational outreach through her “Horn Hangouts” series.

Which French horn player is known for their expertise in historical performance on the natural horn?

Lowell Greer is celebrated for his expertise in historical performance, particularly on the natural horn. His contributions have greatly influenced the revival of interest in period-specific horn playing techniques.