The Flute

It took a while to properly register with me, but it seems to me that of all the instruments employed in any form of music, classical or otherwise, the flute is amongst the most undervalued and underappreciated, in its melodic and rhythmic dexterity, not to mention its ethereal beauty.

 

Flute music was a prominent feature of the output of baroque-period composers like Johann Sebastian Bach and Georg Friedrich Handel, but the flute seemed to be marginalised during the Romantic period, being drowned out by the masses of strings and horns and the general air of grandiosity. However, the instrument appeared to suit the mood and requirements of the post-Romantic and Impressionist music which began to emerge in France during the latter part of the nineteenth century, including that by Debussy and Ravel. It continued to be favoured by composers into the twentieth century, such as Francis Poulenc. His Sonata for Flute and Piano (1956) is one of the most enchanting and arresting pieces of music one could wish to hear.

 

The exponents of progressive and experimental rock certainly understood the effectiveness and sonic quality of the flute. The most famous use of the flute in prog was almost certainly to be found in the antics of Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson. However, flute was prominent on early Genesis records, most notably "Firth Of Fifth" and other numbers on their 1973 release "Selling England By The Pound". Other prog-rock acts to make memorable use of the flute were Focus (Thijs van Leer), King Crimson, Camel, and probably numerous others which I have not mentioned here!  Even in an era of increasingly sophisticated synthesizers, electronic gizmos and studio effects, there was still something about the humble flute which stood out and gave songs a distinctive character, charm and texture.

 

Flute has also been a staple of television theme tunes and incidental music, producers and composers finding it an ideal device with which to create atmosphere and seduce and entice the ears and senses of the viewer/listener.

 

There are some great flautists out there today.  Two who spring instantly to mind are Juliette Hurel and Emmanuel Pahud. Listening to them will give hours of unalloyed pleasure.

 

So let's hear it for the flute!