Meet Felix Klieser: The French Horn Player Who Redefined What’s Possible
Every now and then, someone comes along who completely changes the way we think about music—and what it means to be a musician. Felix Klieser is one of those people.
Felix was born without arms. And yet, he plays one of the most complex instruments in the orchestra: the French horn. Not with his hands, of course. He plays it using his left foot to press the valves, and supports the horn on a special stand. It’s an incredible sight—and an even more incredible sound.
When Felix first said he wanted to play the French horn at age four, most people didn’t know what to say. It seemed impossible. But Felix didn’t care. He wasn’t interested in limitations. He was interested in making music.
He practiced. He experimented. He created a new way of playing. And over time, he became one of the best.
Today, Felix tours with major orchestras, has won some of classical music’s top awards, and even made his debut at the BBC Proms. He’s also a bit of a social media star—during the pandemic, he started posting funny photos of his horn (nicknamed “Alex”) going on little adventures.
But more than his talent, what stands out about Felix is his attitude. He once said, “The most important thing is to learn to solve problems.” And that’s exactly what he’s done—again and again.
For any musician who’s ever felt stuck or unsure, Felix’s story is a reminder: there’s always a way forward. You might have to find your own method. You might have to break the rules. But if the love for music is there, the rest will follow.
Want to see Felix in action?
Watch him play the French horn with his foot – and prepare to be inspired.
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