Horn Belgium circa 1900 brass 39,5 cm (diameter of the coiled tube), 25 cm (diameter of the bell) St. Boniface Museum, Canada

Have you ever heard a horn speak? No, not a car horn, but a hunting horn. It is a musical instrument with a very unique appearance that was created in the Middle Ages.

I saw this instrument for the first time this week at the St. Boniface Museum and this is why I do not know much about it. But it captured my attention because of its shape and novel sound. If it were unwound, it would be 3.5 metres long. This is an instrument that is played in brass bands and orchestras.

Right away, I knew that I would like to learn how to play the hunting horn after I had heard it on the record player at home. The sound that the horn produces made me think of many things and reflect on times gone by. The music relaxed me and I would be very happy if I could play the horn. It would maybe become one of my favourite hobbies. I could play at school, at home and at family reunions. Since I saw it, I have even dreamed that I played it. It is as if I were in another world, completely isolated from all distractions. I also dreamed that I was in a brass band and that I travelled to different countries. I saw the happy faces of people from different races who admired the music that our brass band made, and that gives me a great deal of satisfaction.

It is really remarkable for me, a young man who does not play any musical instrument, to want to play the hunting horn. It is different from the other instruments and I like unique instruments. Wow, what a terrific instrument!