Strident, jazzy stop, with no connection to the orchestral Cor Anglais whose English translation sometimes appears on orchestral stop-lists. Used as a final climax to the ensemble, for sharp accents and for occasional solo use (perhaps in combination with other reeds). Examples voiced on 10″ wind pressure are usually considered more adaptable than those on higher pressures such as 15″.
Construction:
Metal, very gradually tapered resonator with a bell at the top. Usually without a regulating slot to increase the harmonic ‘splash’.
Tonality:
Extremely keen and fiery reed stop. In the tenor, fulfilling the same function as the trombone in an orchestra. The blaze of harmonics makes the availability of the stop at 16′ on the manuals (even if from tenor C only) very desirable if it is to be used with the ensemble. Legend (not substantiated) has it that Jesse Crawford omitted this stop from the Publix #1 organs he specified, “in order to protect the public”. Legend or not, the sentiment rings true when the stop is used injudiciously.
Stop names: English Horn and Occasional, alternative usage Post Horn.