The role of the third horn in the orchestra's horn section

Abstract

This thesis reflects research about the horn section and mainly the role of the third horn in the orchestra's horn section, and is also a documentation of my personal experience. For several years I was the third horn player at the National Radio Symphony Orchestra of Greece (ERT) and I try to explore this position as much as I can, and aim to help not only young horn players who are auditioning for this chair, but also young composers and conductors to reach a closer understanding of the function of the horn section. For my research, I studied historical and musicological elements, I read orchestration books, I held interviews with great horn players, I studied scores, I wrote down my own personal experiences and reflections and I played in all four horn positions in the orchestra, observing at the same time the different roles of each chair.