Post horn

The cornet was developed from the cone-shaped coach horn through the addition of valves, while the cylinder-shaped trumpets remained predominantly valveless for several decades.

[3] In the late 17th century, Johann Beer composed a Concerto à 4 in B♭, which paired a post horn with a corne de chasse as the two solo instruments, accompanied by violins and basso continuo.

One example of post horn use in modern classical music is the famous off-stage solo in Mahler's Third Symphony.

Notable musical examples include Capriccio on the departure of a beloved brother by Bach, which includes an "Aria di postiglione" and a "Fuga all'imitazione della cornetta di postiglione", both containing an octave jump similar to that of the postal horn.

Beethoven's Les adieux piano sonata is centered on a horn-like motif, again signifying the departure of a loved-one.

Schubert's Winterreise includes the song "Die Post", of which the piano part prominently features a horn signal motif.

Installed along winding, narrow mountain roads, the sign indicated that motorists should yield to incoming coaches, and let them pass safely.

German post horn (19th century)
Post horn