What is the range of the French horn?

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The range of the French horn is typically considered to extend from about F#2 up to C6. This range encompasses the fundamental pitches that the instrument can produce, starting from the lower note F#2, which is the lowest reliably playable note that many players can reach on a standard horn, and extending to C6, which is a high note that is achievable in the upper register.

This broad range allows for a variety of play styles and techniques, making the French horn a versatile instrument capable of performing in many musical ensembles, including orchestras and chamber groups. The ability to play both mellow tones in the lower register and brilliant fanfare-like notes in the higher register contributes to the French horn's unique sound and character.

The other options either begin with lower notes than those commonly used on the French horn or only reach higher extremes not fully representative of the instrument's full range. Thus, emphasizing F#2 as the starting point and C6 as the high note accurately captures the essential capabilities of the French horn in performance contexts.

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