One of the oldest musical instruments, the flute has witnessed some major changes and transitions in its core construction. It is played horizontally and produces a soft and sweet tone that is soothing to the ears. Initially made with bird bones and mammoth ivory, today’s flute uses wood and metals like gold, silver, and platinum for its construction, and each influences the music it produces.
The major evolution the flute went through has resulted in diverse types, and it is important to know each one when you are thinking of taking up the flute. Let’s break down the flute types:
Also known as the C flute, the concert flute is the most common and standard type that is mainly used in concerts and orchestras. It features side-blown and is closed at the end with pitches in C. The range it produces is from 3.5 to 4 octaves, starting from middle C, and has 16 holes through which the pitch can be changed by opening and closing them.
Larger than the concert flute and produces a richer and mellower tone. The alto flute is pitched in G and produces a perfect fourth below the written C, and often gives more depth and warmth to ensemble pieces, and is favored by established composers. It is often preferred to be played in orchestras as it offers a distinctive and subtle timbre.
Generally, a smaller version of the concert flute, the piccolo flute produces a penetrating sound on a high pitch. Its origin goes back to the Middle Ages and was initially played as a military instrument, followed by being played in orchestral music. It is half the size when compared to the standard flute and produces an octave-higher sound. It is best paired with violins and played in concerts and orchestras.
A larger flute pitched in C; the bass flute sounds an octave below the concert flute and measures about 146 cm in length. To play the flute requires a specialized joint to bring the flute’s hole closer to the player’s lips, and because of its size, the flute is less preferred, but it overshadows other musical instruments in the same range.
This flute type is rarely found in solo and chamber music, and is pitched two octaves. It is lower than middle C and produces a haunting sound in low ranges, often resembling a bassoon. To produce its peculiar notes, it requires enough volume of air and a wider, but slowed stream of breath.
It is one massive flute measuring 18 feet in height and features an Octobass flute pitched in C, 3 octaves below the average C flute. Though bigger in size, the double contrabass flute produces robust sound and is easier to play when compared to other bass flutes, making it a preferred choice to be played in movies scores and choirs.
A rare but huge flute design, the Hyperbass Flute measures 26 feet in length and pitches in C, 4 full octaves below the concert flute and one octave below the double-contrabass flute. One interesting fact about the flute is that its lowest note C, is below the average human hearing.
These are some common flute types available in the market, and there are more types included in the flute family like the Soprano flute and Treble flute. You can research more about these flutes prior to buying one for yourself.
