Nachthorn
Stopped organ stop with a flute-like, horn-like tone that emphasises fundamental and overtone.
What it means
The Nachthorn is an organ stop of the flute family and is usually built stopped, that is, the pipes are closed at the top. Its tone is soft and slightly horn-like, with a clearly audible overtone beside the fundamental. It is usually a gentle stop at 8-foot or 4-foot pitch.
Musical use
The Nachthorn serves in the organ as a mild solo voice or as accompaniment, often in combination with other flutes or a string stop. Its name recalls the natural horn, whose sound it softly imitates. It is found in organs of many stylistic periods and complements the principals with a round, darker tone.
It should be distinguished from the stopped foundation stop (Gedackt), which sounds more neutral, and from the Gemshorn, which is conical and sounds sharper.
Performance practice
As an organist you use the Nachthorn for calm, singing pieces or to accompany a solo stop. Play calmly and legato with its soft touch; fast runs sound less distinct on the Nachthorn.