The flute tone contains the very essence of lyric and pastoral feeling. It has great legato fluency and is able to skip about from register to register more easily than any other instrument. Its lowest register has a rich and appealing depth of tone. In its higher registers it gives the illusion of sounding lower than it actually is. These higher registers are normal and can be used freely. The flute can disappoint if expected to be powerful in its medium and lower registers, and it cannot cut through the orchestral ensemble very easily except when played in high register. Its staccato articulation is not very incisive or pointed, and requires special marking. The flute is particularly effective in melodic and decorative passages.
For concentrated listening experience related to the characteristics of flute tone and motion, hear the Poem for flute and orchestra by Griffes and Night Soliloquy by Kennan.
Playable Books