130 !!Chapter 6
Bass Flute
The bass flute is an unusual instrument and can add a distinctive quality
to an arrangement. It takes a lot of air to generate a sound, so the parts
should not require short or fast sequences. Three or four bass flutes play-
ing in unison produce an incredible sound. As with the alto flute, since the
instrument does not project well, the arrangement must be sparse if it is to
be heard.
Range:Parts are written in the treble clef and sound one octave below
where they are written. The lowest written note is middle C, and the high-
est written note is C, located two octaves above the treble clef (see example
6-32).
Example 6-32 Bass flute range: staff indicates where the parts are written.Wooden flutes are found in most cultures. Since each civilization has
flutes that are unique and require individual playing techniques, study
their musical culture before writing for the instrument.
Irish flutes, Renaissance flutes, bamboo flutes, and Native American
flutes are among the many types of wooden flutes. The following are
descriptions of some ethnic flutes.
Irish Flute
The Irish flute contains six holes, with the lowest note being a D above
middle C; the flute will sound a D major scale as the holes are opened,
with the top note being a C-sharp. This enables the flutist to easily play
in the keys of D major and G major, which will accommodate many
traditional Irish melodies. Adding metal keys that are attached to the
wood can expand the range of the flute. The flutes are made in a variety
of keys.
Baroque Flutes
Baroque flutes obtain an authentic sound of the period. By cross-fingering,
a flutist who specializes in the baroque style can play a full chromatic
scale. Some baroque flutes have two separate joint sections, which enable
the players to tune to the baroque pitch of A-415 or the standard A-440
pitch used today.