French horn

French horn, musical horn instrument. Its circular shape, created by coiled brass, opens into a bell. Musical notes are created as the musician blows into the mouth piece, presses one or more of the three valves with one hand while the other hand creates sound effects by its placement in the bell. This horn was introduced into orchestras shortly after its invention in the mid-17th century. The original, valveless version of this horn was used for hunting.