Anton Horner

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Anton Horner
French horn made by Ed. Kruspe, c. 1904–19, with modifications that Horner suggested
Background information
Born(1877-06-21)June 21, 1877
Gossengrün, Bohemia, Austria-Hungary
DiedDecember 4, 1971(1971-12-04) (aged 94)
Springfield, Pennsylvania, U.S.
GenresClassical
Occupation(s)Musician
Instrument(s)Horn
Years active1899–1946
Formerly ofPittsburgh Symphony, Sousa Band, Philadelphia Orchestra

One Anton Horner (June 21, 1877 – December 4, 1971) was an American horn player. He was part of the Philadelphia Orchestra for 44 years and served for 28 years as its solo horn player. He is credited for introducing the double horn to the United States.[1]

Biography[edit]

Horner was born in Gossengrün, Bohemia, part of Austria-Hungary (now Krajková in the Czech Republic) in 1877.[2] He studied under Friedrich Gumpert at the Leipzig Conservatory. After coming to the United States, he joined the Pittsburgh Symphony led by Victor Herbert in 1899. He toured Europe in 1900 with the Sousa Band. From 1902 until his retirement in 1946, Horner performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra,[3] whose director Eugene Ormandy later called him "not only one of the greatest horn players of his time, but of all time”.[4] Horner also taught for many years at the Curtis Institute of Music.[5] Among his many accomplished pupils was Mason Jones.[6]

Personal life and death[edit]

From July 2, 1903, until her death on July 19, 1962, Horner was married to the former Alice Elizabeth Roeth.[7][8]

Horner died in Springfield, Pennsylvania, on December 4, 1971, at age 94.[3]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Anton Horner (1877–1971), International Horn Society, Retrieved 6 January 2024.
  2. ^ Wister, Frances Anne. Twenty-five years of the Philadelphia Orchestra: 1900–1925, p. 229 (1925)
  3. ^ a b (7 December 1971). Anton Horner Dies; Played Solo Horn, The New York Times
  4. ^ "Anton Horner, 94, Dies; Phila. Orchestra Figure". The Evening Journal. December 7, 1971. p. 32. ProQuest 2613689949. Conductor Eugene Ormandy called Horner "not only one of the greatest horn players of his time, but of all time." [...] Horner was a native of Austria and attended the Leipzig Consrvatory of Music from 1891 to 1894. He emigrated to the United States in 1895.
  5. ^ (22 June 1967). Corks Pop, Horns Blow, for Anton Horner, 90, Philadelphia Inquirer
  6. ^ Bach Be Minor Mass (album liner notes, 1961)
  7. ^ "Society in Pittsburg and Allegheny: ". The Pittsburg Press [sic]. July 5, 1903. p. 14. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  8. ^ "Obituary". The Philadelphia Inquirer. July 21, 1962. p. 21. ProQuest 1845483200. Mrs. Anton Horner, the former Alice Elizabeth Roeth, died Thursday at her summer home, 324 92nd st., Stone Harbor, N.J. She was 82 and lived at 5011 Chestnut st. Mrs. Horner's husband formerly played the French horn with the Philadelphia Orchestra.

External links[edit]

Anton Horner - French Horn (1912) Siegfried's Call (78 RPM) at YouTube.