I just wrote a long email describing the excerpts that I use to evaluate a fresh horn and I thought it would be interesting for everyone. These are the baseline excepts that I use to decide what adjustments need to be made before sending it off. You can use this as well when trying horns as a way to get a good sense of a horn in a short amount of time.

  1. Mahler 1 mvt 3 low- I test especially the low F (T0) to F# (2) in the context of the excerpt. That note change will have the most pop across the valve (on a Geyer horn) of any excerpt and if I can live with it, the rest is a breeze.
  2. MSND- I test this excerpt to see how efficiently the horn plays long lyrical passages. If the horn is not very efficient, I run out of air and I get tired. If the horn is too tight, the air backs up and I get tired. If I can make it all the way through comfortably, it works! I also test this except with special attention to the F# octaves to make sure that they are in tune and that the mid-high register holds the pitch up (especially when I get tired) rather than letting it sag.
  3. Freischutz Hn 1- This makes sure that the top G sits comfortably and holds itself up without sagging, especially by the end. Also Hn 4 to test how smoothly the horn can go across the mid range into the basement.
  4. Beethoven 3 mvmt 3 Hn 1- I test how stable the top Bb is when given a good amount of air. I actually will often overblow this excerpt and see if the top notes back up or go flat. Both of those are bad.
  5. Queen Mab- This tests how agile the horn is, especially in the mid range when clarity can be a problem
  6. Rosetti D minor concerto (opening)- To test how quick response is in a technical situation, mostly in the mid- high range.
  7. Preparatory melodies (Schantl/ Pottag edition) number 6- Test quickness moving through the mid low register.
  8. Don Juan- Testing loud. Making sure that the upper D and the top F# at then end don’t blow flat at high volumes.

This covers most things. I make adjustments according to what I hear and how it feels. I also play whatever I happen to be working on (or whatever happens to be on the stand) to make sure that it is overall an easy and enjoyable horn to play.