Opened this up for the first time in ~6 years. I stopped playing completely when I left the Army in 2009.
I bought this in 1983, I think (with a little help from Mom & Dad). My first — and only — professional Horn. The detachable bell is in the top half of the case, out of sight. It's a Yamaha YHR-862: a big bore, big throated Kruspe wrapped Horn. Perfect for Concert Band or a large Orchestra (Mahler), when you need to project.
You could point out the Cello has a similar range, tone, sonority... but the Cello can't project the power that a brass instrument can. Because brass instruments are powered by human breath: there's more human soul there by the very nature of the instruments.
Many people don't understand why I chose to play the Horn... and particularly why I chose to try to make a career of it. Well, it started in grade school, at Miller Elementary School. We got to choose instruments in 4th grade. I chose Trumpet or Drums. They went alphabetically, and by the time they got to me (H)... Trumpets and Drums were gone.
My second favorite piece featuring the Horn in Chamber Music (small ensembles). An older recording. Very good recording, despite using primitive recording technology.
Johannes Brahms, Horn trio, Eb major, Op. 40 - Recorded in London, 13 November 1933
Adolf Busch, violin
Aubrey Brain, horn (Dennis Brain's father)
Rudolf Serkin, piano
I. Andante (0:00)
II. Scherzo. Allegro (8:11)
III. Adagio mesto (15:11)
IV. Allegro con brio (23:30)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Hornkonzert Es-Dur KV 495;
Anton Reicha: Quintett für Horn, Streichquartett und Kontrabass E-Dur op. 106;
Michael Haydn: Larghetto & Allegro;
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Rondo für Horn und StreichquartettD-Dur KV 514
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Hornquintett Es-Dur KV 407