Most major flute makers have a bass flute model.
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A piccolo or two is often added for color and more modern compositions are starting to branch out into lower flutes.īut that all being said, many flutists are introduced to the instrument through participation in these ensembles, as the need to have a bass flute for solo or orchestral repertoire is rare (unless, that is, if you wanted to play bass flute specific repertoire). The core of flute ensembles consists of Concert C Flutes, Alto Flutes, and Bass Flutes.
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The rise in popularity of the bass flute is almost parallel to the rise in popularity of the flute choir. The resonance of the instrument allows for percussive key clicks and slaps to be very effective, as well as tongue rams and other strong percussive articulations.īut since this is a flute, and the mechanics are designed similarly to the C flute, this instrument can achieve the same speed of notes as a C flute. It does not project well, especially in the lower octaves, and as such is why you find this instrument more often in chamber and solo settings than in any large ensemble.Īs with many of the larger flutes, it also can have a very ethereal quality and can also produce some hauntingly breathy tones. This instrument has a warm and sultry sound to it. For the most part, fingerings for the different notes on the staff remain the same or similar between instruments, but when played, the pitch on the bass flute is an octave lower than it is written. The bass flute sounds an octave lower than the standard C Flute.Īs you can see from the image above, the bass flute is written on the staff like any other flute. Of course, the most unique factor of the bass flute is its range. Yes, there are models of the alto flute that have a curved headjoint, but the curved is standard on the bass flute. Of the primary, or most common, members of the flute family, the bass flute is the first one that must be played with a curved headjoint and is one of the lowest members that can still be played while standing. However, as with any instrument, there are nuances that require the performer to adjust to the needs of the instrument. The bass flute is a member of the flute family, and as such, the techniques used to play it are analogous to the standard flute, making it accessible to the average flutist. Because, you know, it's all about the bass.
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Feel free to check out our overview article on the flute family for more information.įor now, we are going to focus on the bass flute. The bass flute is a member of the flute family, which include the piccolo and C flute, the most commonly played, as well as the alto flute and many others.