A valved brass wind instrument that produces a mellow tone from a 21 foot long, narrow tube that is coiled in a elaborate circular structure before ending in a flaring bell.

In performance, French horn players place their right hand inside the bell of the instrument to produce special sound effects like muting. Because of its smooth tone color and expressive ability to play both loudly and softly, it helps to blend the homogeneous sound of the strings with the more varied color of the woodwinds.

Originally made from animal horn or wood, the horn was used in medieval times to signal in battles and hunts. The hunting horn evolved during the 17th century, becoming spiralled so its length would not interfere with mobility. The modern French horn developed throughout the 19th century as valves were added to allow players access to all the available notes.