Instrument Introduction (Western Music) Woodwind Flute

Flute An metal-made Woodwind instrument Flute is a main instrument in orchestral and chamber music. It has the longest history among all the musical instruments. Flute is commonly made of metal, such as silver and nickel-silver alloy. Different flutist choose their own instrument materials according to their favour as it can produce different quality of sound. Flute produces mellow and smooth sound and it is the only woodwind instrument which have no reed.

Differnt Kinds of Flute The following are the various types of flute which are commonly used: C Flute Alto Flute in G ! The “flute” in the orchestra represents the C flute, it is the most common used flute. Bass Flute Piccolo

Position in Orchestra Modern orchestra may have two to three flutists for different parts of composition but flute can also be used in ensemble as union. A flute has includes a playing range from high-pitched sound to low-pitched sound and have a high range of variations. Therefore, it is always played in solo in many music pieces. In the chamber music, flute can composite with other instruments , such as forming a woodwind quartet with clarinet, bassoon and oboe.

The Sercet of Flute Lip Plate Embouchure Hole ! The playing range of a flute is between the alto C to the third treble C. Foot Joint Body HeadJoint Keys

The Sercet of Flute Q Why does the metal-made flute is classifying as “woodwind instrument”? A The early flute is made of wood. Although it changes to metal-made nowadays, the principle of sound production is the same as other woodwind instruments. Therefore, flute is classified as woodwind instrument.

The Sercet of Flute Q How to tune the sounds of a flute? A The pitch of a flute depends on the depth that the head joint plugging into the body joint.

The Sercet of Flute Q How can a flute player control different keys effectively? A An Boehm system flute was invented by a famous flutist Boehm in 19th century. Before his invention, one finger can only control one key of a flute. Through this new system, a flutist can control another relative key automatically while pressing one key, so that one finger can control two keys. It obviously increases the efficiency and accuracy of performance.

The Sercet of Flute Open-hole Q Closed-hole A Why some of the flute have holes on the keys? Open-hole Closed-hole A There are two types of flutes: “open hole” and “close hole”. The keys with closed-hole is fully covered. It is easily to produce sound by touching the edge of the keys so that it suit for a beginner of flute. The open-hole key, with circular holes on them, may produce sound only if the fingers fully cover the hole. The sound of open-hole keys is louder and richer, but the difficulty of preferment will become higher.

Gesture in Performance The shape of lips while playing Can stand or sit depending on the needs of performance The body keeps straight and slightly move forward. The center of gravity turns upward that makes the make abdominal muscle free to breathe out and in. The left forefinger and right thumb hold the flute and move it beside the mouth. The shape of lips while playing The lips form a smile-like shape and then blow air into the Embouchure Hole

Famous Flutists Johann Joachim Quantz (1745－1801) Theobald Boehm (1794－1881) Jean-Pierre Rampal (1922—1920) James Galway (1939－) Rampal Boehm Galway

Famous Flutist Compositions J. S. Bach : Sonata in C major for flute W.A. Mozart : Mozart Flute Concerto No.1 in G major A. F. Doppler : Fantaisie Pastorale Hongroise Achille-Claude Debussy：Syrinx for Flute Solo