Posted by K on November 29, 2003 at 12:43:04:
In Reply to: Mini-tuba question posted by T. C. Bass on November 29, 2003 at 11:29:46:
Many horn players are used to counteract an inherent sharpness in their low ranges.
The written first line E in an F horn part will tend very sharp on most instruments, if it is played with the 2nd valve on the Bb side of a double horn or on a single Bb horn. The same note, an A concert, also is played with the 2nd valve on an Eb altohorn. But that note tends flat. If played by a player automatically lipping that note down, it can come out very flat.
Your pro level horn players have made the intonation tendencies of their main instruments their second-nature.
The solution for their alto horn intonation problems is tough: practising the alto horns thoroughly on the terms of that instrument type.
K