Thanks to...
This instrument was purchased by the Foundation Concertgebouworkest thanks to the generous support of the Swiss Friends of the Concertgebouworkest.
Fons and his horn
In the series 'Musicians on their instruments': Fons Verspaandonk on his horn, the Alexander 107X, acquired in 2009.
The first time we met…
I had a good feeling right away! After having tried several instruments, I just knew this was the one. The sound was beautiful and open, even in the upper registers. High notes are produced more easily on a B-flat/high F horn, but on some instruments, there’s a trade-off in the overall sound. That’s negligible on this horn, which is why it’s ideal for use not only in the orchestra, but also in chamber settings.
The characteristics of this horn…
I like that it sounds a bit warmer and darker than other horns. That’s to do with the alloy. Most brass instruments are made of brass, but this horn’s alloy contains about ten per cent more copper than usual, which we call ‘gold brass’.
Memorable pieces I’ve played on this instrument…
I recently performed a Close-up chamber music concert in the Recital Hall of the Concertgebouw. The programme featured Jörg Widmann’s octet Pieces of Eight, which has an extremely challenging, high horn part and calls for all sorts of special effects. I’ve also regularly played Bach’s Christmas Oratorio with the Concertgebouw Chamber Orchestra. The Alexander 107X just sounds great in this very high horn part!
Special places I’ve been with this instrument…
On our world tour, we played Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 at the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires and Richard Strauss’s Ein Heldenleben at the Sydney Opera House. Both performances were very special experiences. Where my instrument sounds best… I think the instrument is best showcased in the Main Hall of the Concertgebouw with its outstanding acoustics.
Where my instrument is when I’m not playing it…
In my back garden, I’ve had a studio built where I can practise and store all my instruments. I’ve got about seven of them.