The althorn is a musical instrument that is not as well-known as some of the other brass instruments, such as the trumpet or trombone. However, it has a unique sound and has been used in various musical genres, including classical and military music. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of the althorn.
Definitions
The althorn is a brass instrument that is similar to the French horn, but it is pitched in the key of E-flat. It has a conical bore, a flared bell, and three or four valves. The althorn is also known as the alto horn, tenor horn, or Eb horn.
Origin
The althorn was developed in the mid-19th century in Germany by Heinrich Stölzel and Friedrich Blühmel. They were looking to create a brass instrument that had a softer tone than the trumpet or cornet. The althorn was designed to be played in brass bands and military bands, and it quickly became popular in Europe and the United States.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the althorn is “a brass wind instrument resembling a small tuba and having a conical bore and three or four valves.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a brass instrument similar to a French horn but smaller and pitched in E flat.”
Associations
The althorn is often associated with brass bands, military bands, and classical music. It is also used in jazz and popular music, although it is not as common in these genres.
Synonyms
The althorn is also known as the alto horn, tenor horn, or Eb horn.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for the althorn, as it is a specific type of brass instrument.
The same root words
The word “horn” is the root word for althorn, as it is a type of brass horn.
Example Sentences
- The brass band featured a solo on the althorn during their performance.
- The althorn player had to practice for hours to master the difficult piece.
- The military band used the althorn to add depth and richness to their sound.
- The composer included a section for the althorn in the symphony to showcase its unique tone.