Gemshorn
Vessel flute made of an animal horn; also a conical organ stop.
What it means
The Gemshorn is first of all a medieval and Renaissance wind instrument, a flute made from an animal horn, originally that of the chamois. It has a blowing hole at the pointed end and several finger holes. Because the interior is conical, it sounds soft, somewhat reserved, and of mild tone color.
Musical use
As an instrument the Gemshorn was widespread in the Middle Ages and Renaissance and is heard again today in early music and instrument making. Organ building took over the principle: the Gemshorn is also an organ stop of conical pipes tapering upward, with a soft, slightly stringy sound, often serving as a gentle supplement to other flute stops.
The Gemshorn as an instrument should be distinguished from the recorder, which has a fipple and is usually cylindrically or slightly conically bored, and from the organ stop “flute,” which is cylindrical and sounds brighter. It also differs from the ocarina, a vessel flute of clay, in material and form.
Performance practice
Blow the Gemshorn with a calm, soft air stream and a careful embouchure, since the sound reacts sensitively to air pressure. If you choose the organ stop, use it for delicate accompaniment or in ensemble with flute and string stops.