Les Trompes de Chasse is a classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of music for hunting horns. The group was founded in 1985 by a group of French musicians who shared a passion for the unique sound of the hunting horn and its rich history in European music. The founding members of Les Trompes de Chasse were Jean-Pierre Canihac, Jean-Francois Madeuf, Philippe Matharel, and Jean-Luc Tamby. All four musicians were accomplished horn players with extensive experience in classical music performance. They came together with the goal of exploring the hunting horn repertoire and bringing this music to a wider audience. The hunting horn, also known as the French horn or the natural horn, has a long history in European music. It was originally used as a signaling instrument for hunting parties, but over time it became a popular instrument for classical music performance. The hunting horn has a unique sound that is characterized by its lack of valves, which means that the player must use their lips and hand position to produce different notes. Les Trompes de Chasse quickly gained a reputation for their virtuosic performances of hunting horn music. They performed extensively throughout France and Europe, and their concerts were praised for their technical precision and musicality. The group also recorded several albums of hunting horn music, including "Les Trompes de Chasse" and "Les Trompes de Chasse II." One of the highlights of Les Trompes de Chasse's career was their performance at the 1992 Olympic Games in Albertville, France. The group was invited to perform at the opening ceremony, where they played a piece composed specifically for the occasion by French composer Jean-Claude Petit. The performance was widely praised for its beauty and elegance, and it helped to bring the hunting horn to a wider audience. Les Trompes de Chasse also received several awards and honors throughout their career. In 1990, they were awarded the Grand Prix du Disque for their album "Les Trompes de Chasse." They were also awarded the Prix de l'Academie Charles Cros in 1992 for their album "Les Trompes de Chasse II." Despite their success, Les Trompes de Chasse faced some challenges over the years. The hunting horn repertoire is relatively limited, and the group had to work hard to find new and interesting pieces to perform. They also faced some criticism from traditionalists who felt that the hunting horn should only be played in the context of hunting parties. Despite these challenges, Les Trompes de Chasse continued to perform and record music for hunting horns. They inspired a new generation of musicians to explore the hunting horn repertoire, and their legacy continues to be felt in the world of classical music today.

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