Modern notation The horn is a transposing instrument and unlike the trumpet sounds deeper than written in all tunings. The modern horn is notated in F; in bass clef and treble clef it is written a fifth higher than it sounds.
What is Concert F horn?
When a Bb trumpet plays a written F, it sounds the concert pitch Eb. When an Eb alto sax plays a written G, it sounds the concert pitch Bb. When an F horn plays a written E, it sounds the concert pitch A. All non-transposing instruments (such as flute, trombone & tuba) play concert pitch.
What transposition is English horn?
The English horn is a transposing instrument and sounds a fifth lower than written. Notation is in treble clef. In modern works notation is occasionally written without transposition (sound is as written, e.g., in Hans Werner Henze).
Why is the French horn in the key of F?
French horns are often called "F Horns" because they are pitched in F. The notes they see and play on sheet music are a perfect fifth higher than what is heard when played. Said another way, music for the French horn sounds a perfect fifth lower than what is notated.