The role of the third horn in the orchestra's horn section

Abstract: This thesis reflects research about the horn section and mainly the role of the third horn in the orchestra's horn section, and is also a documentation of my personal experience. For several years I was the third horn player at the National Radio Symphony Orchestra of Greece (ERT) and I try to explore this position as much as I can, and aim to help not only young horn players who are auditioning for this chair, but also young composers and conductors to reach a closer understanding of the function of the horn section. For my research, I studied historical and musicological elements, I read orchestration books, I held interviews with great horn players, I studied scores, I wrote down my own personal experiences and reflections and I played in all four horn positions in the orchestra, observing at the same time the different roles of each chair.