This is the second in a 2-part series looking at recommended DVDs for horn players.  You can check out Part 1 here. We’ll begin by looking at another performance DVD, followed by two excellent educational videos.

Mozart, Concerto No. 3 for Horn and Orchestra, K. 447 (Radovan Vlatkovic, horn, Picardy Sinfonietta, Patrick Fournillier)

Another older recording, but with some great solo playing by Vlatokovic.  In addition to the concerto, the program also includes symphonies Nos. 29 and 40 by Mozart, which feature very prominent horn parts.  As with some of the other DVDs previously listed, this one is available on Amazon at an unbelievably low price.

Hill on Horn (Douglas Hill, Educational DVD)

Originally released as a VHS tape by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, this great resource is now available on DVD through Really Good Music. Professor Hill is a master pedagogue, and this video gives a good sense of his teaching style and overall approach to the horn.  All the basics are covered, including posture, breathing, embouchure, range, tone quality, and more, and several fine solo performances are also included.  One of the most interesting parts of the video is a warm-up session played by Professor Hill, allowing the listener a rare look at the materials and thought process that go into a professional horn player’s warm-up.

Real World Horn Playing (Wendell Rider, Educational DVD)

This series of videos is meant to accompany Mr. Rider’s excellent book, which has the same title.  It covers many of the same topics as Hill on Horn, but it’s worth owning both videos to get the variety of explanations each teacher provides.  The lessons are delivered in a straightforward, conversational manner, with clear demonstrations by Mr. Rider of each concept and technique.  And at around $35 for the two DVD set, it’s a great bargain.