This thesis explores the subject of playing either a high or low horn in a symphony orchestra, looking at the roles, repertoire, and pedagogical methods connected with each. The purpose of the study is to shed light on the phenomenon of horn players categorizing themselves as either high or low horn players and to examine the debate between a balanced approach and specialization in horn playing. The study focuses on excerpts that are frequently used in auditions around the world and offers a thorough analysis of repertoire examples that are necessary for both high and low horn playing. A number of common exercises and studies are included in the examination of historical and modern teaching methods and approaches used in conservatories. Interviews with Björn Olsson and Benedikt Scholtes, two professional horn players and teachers, yield their perspectives on the subject, providing insightful information. The thesis acknowledges the individuality of each horn student and seeks to answer the question of whether categorizing oneself as a high or low horn player and concentrating solely on one register is wise or whether a balanced approach is preferable. In the current competitive orchestral employment landscape, the author discusses the potential advantages and disadvantages of such specialization. The study emphasizes the significance of versatility in horn playing and the need for a larger repertoire beyond the typical audition pieces. This thesis offers insightful information and viewpoints for horn players who are faced with questions and decisions regarding high and low horn playing by examining traditional high and low horn repertoire in addition to pertinent studies and exercises.

A presente pesquisa tem como objetivo analisar a tessitura e a escrita para trompa observando três modelos que foram utilizados de forma brilhante pelos compositores que conseguiram, apesar das limitações de cada modelo, alçar a trompa da condição de instrumento de caça, nos tempos mais remotos, à categoria de instrumento solista e parte integrante da orquestra. Observamos que a trompa moderna é também utilizada para execução do repertório barroco e clássico, período em que as composições contemplavam a trompa de caça e a trompa natural. Acreditamos que uma visão acerca das funcionalidades da trompa de cada período nos traga subsídios para uma execução apropriada com um instrumento moderno. A trompa, devido a sua grande tessitura, foi desde o período clássico dividida em dois gêneros: trompa grave e trompa aguda. A partir do advento da trompa de válvulas na segunda metade do séc. XIX, as composições passam a requerer de um mesmo trompista igual habilidade em toda tessitura. Observamos que a especialização nos gêneros grave e agudo persiste, pois encontraremos passagens solísticas na tessitura grave ou aguda em que é requerida a especialização do trompista de cada gênero. / This research aims to analyze the range and writing for horn by observing three models that were used brilliantly by composers, who managed, despite the limitations of each model, create the conditions for the primitive hunting horn of ancient times to the level of a solo as well as an orchestral instrument. We will observe that the modern horn is well capacitated to perform Baroque and Classical repertoire, a period in which the compositions contemplated the use of the hunting horn and natural horn. We believe that a vision about the features of each period of the horn\'s development brings to light a proper execution with the modern instrument. Ever since the classical period, because of its extensive range, the horn was divided into two genres: high horn and low horn. After the invention of the valve horn in the second half of the 19th century, the compositions demanded of this new instrument the same ability as of its natural horn predecessor throughout its extensive range. We may note that with the newer 19th century valve horn, the perpetuation of the high and low horn tradition was maintained as may be observed in its extensive high and low range in solo passages, requiring the expertise of both high and low horn players of the time.

A presente pesquisa tem como objetivo analisar a tessitura e a escrita para trompa observando três modelos que foram utilizados de forma brilhante pelos compositores que conseguiram, apesar das limitações de cada modelo, alçar a trompa da condição de instrumento de caça, nos tempos mais remotos, à categoria de instrumento solista e parte integrante da orquestra. Observamos que a trompa moderna é também utilizada para execução do repertório barroco e clássico, período em que as composições contemplavam a trompa de caça e a trompa natural. Acreditamos que uma visão acerca das funcionalidades da trompa de cada período nos traga subsídios para uma execução apropriada com um instrumento moderno. A trompa, devido a sua grande tessitura, foi desde o período clássico dividida em dois gêneros: trompa grave e trompa aguda. A partir do advento da trompa de válvulas na segunda metade do séc. XIX, as composições passam a requerer de um mesmo trompista igual habilidade em toda tessitura. Observamos que a especialização nos gêneros grave e agudo persiste, pois encontraremos passagens solísticas na tessitura grave ou aguda em que é requerida a especialização do trompista de cada gênero. / This research aims to analyze the range and writing for horn by observing three models that were used brilliantly by composers, who managed, despite the limitations of each model, create the conditions for the primitive hunting horn of ancient times to the level of a solo as well as an orchestral instrument. We will observe that the modern horn is well capacitated to perform Baroque and Classical repertoire, a period in which the compositions contemplated the use of the hunting horn and natural horn. We believe that a vision about the features of each period of the horn\'s development brings to light a proper execution with the modern instrument. Ever since the classical period, because of its extensive range, the horn was divided into two genres: high horn and low horn. After the invention of the valve horn in the second half of the 19th century, the compositions demanded of this new instrument the same ability as of its natural horn predecessor throughout its extensive range. We may note that with the newer 19th century valve horn, the perpetuation of the high and low horn tradition was maintained as may be observed in its extensive high and low range in solo passages, requiring the expertise of both high and low horn players of the time.