Mellophone

What it means

The mellophone is a brass instrument in F with a forward-facing bell and valves, which takes over the role of the horn in marching and show formations. Compared with the French horn it is more simply built, easier to handle, and responds more securely in the high register, because the natural overtones lie less densely. It is notated transposing for horn in F and sounds a perfect fifth lower than written. The mouthpiece is larger and shallower than the horn mouthpiece, which makes the sound more direct and less covered.

Musical use

The reason for this construction lies in the performance situation outdoors and in motion. A French horn radiates backward and is hard to carry and hit accurately while marching; the mellophone directs the sound forward and can be played securely. Musically it occupies the middle register between trumpets and low brass and takes on the tasks that fall to the horns in the symphony orchestra — harmonic filling, countermelodies, occasionally melody. In the concert wind band, preference is usually given to the French horn, because its sound blends more softly.

Performance practice

Whoever comes from the French horn should approach the change of mouthpiece deliberately: the different cup changes the feel of the embouchure and the tonal conception, and a switch shortly before a performance is unfavourable. Work with a calm airstream and take care not to press the tone, because the instrument radiates forward and hardness becomes immediately audible. Check the intonation of the valve combinations, which tend to run sharp in the low register. Hold the instrument so that the right hand operates the valves loosely and the weight rests on the left arm. Empty condensation regularly, especially during longer engagements outdoors.

Bear in mind that the instrument is usually not called for in the concert wind band: whoever plays a horn part there should work on the French horn, because the sound and blend are different. For outdoor formations, by contrast, the mellophone is the practical choice. Watch for even volume within the group, because the forward-facing bell makes differences plain. Check the valves regularly and empty condensation often, since the instrument is put under more strain when moving.