38 - Interview with Dr. Kathryn Pewenofkit Briner: The Horn in Early America

The Early American Brass Band Podcast

Episode 38 is our great conversation with Dr. Kathryn Pewenofkit Briner, early horn researcher and performer. We talk about her interest in the early horn in Europe and America, her project "Lost Legacy: The Horn in Early America" and her current studies in linguists relating to her family's Native American heritage.

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Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress.

Episode Structure:

• 2:02 - Dr. Briner's musical background

• 3:55 - Where Dr. Briner's interest in historical horn began

• 7:25 - How historical horn performers find their instruments - reproductions and original horns

• 10:50 - A brief history of the horn

• 16:09 - How the horn made its way to America and how it was faring in the musical culture

• 22:20 - The move from natural horns to valve horns

• 26:04 - Horn soloists in the 1700's and 1800's

• 29:02 - Overview of Dr. Briner's "Lost Legacy" project

• 31:08 - The horn's connection to slavery in antebellum America

• 32:47 - Notable horn teachers in early America

• 35:45 - Availability and makers of horns in early America

• 39:05 - Highlights from Dr. Briner's research, topics for further exploration

• 44:57 - Female horn players in Early America

• 49:53 - Implications of Dr. Briner's research

• 53:33 - Dr. Briner's small collection of early horns

• 57:40 - Dr. Briner's Native American family history and current studies in linguistics

• 1:09:26 - Where you can find more bout Dr. Briner and her research

• 1:14:05 - Featured Album: Brahms, Beethoven: Music for Horn