The Flute and Flute Playing

by Theobald Boehm and Translated by Dayton C. Miller Boehm, Theobald

Book Overview

The flute (or closely related instrument) has been known since prehistoric times, but up until the middle of the nineteenth century it was still far from being a satisfactory instrument, despite the quantity of important music that had been written for it. Its tone was poor and thin, its volume was low, its keying system was inefficient, and it was very difficult to play. The man who changed all this and invented the modern flute was Theobald Boehm...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0486212599
• ISBN13: 9780486212593
• Release Date: March 2011
• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.59 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.4" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

History lesson for the silver flute

This publication presents a detailed history lesson on the silver flute and its creator. This book offers inspiration and clarification to many rarely addressed technical issues for those dedicated to the lifetime adventure of playing the flute. In addition to the method, composition, and other insights, the copied letters, notes, and drawings throughout the book(many still in their original German, handwritten format) are an added treat. I also like the binding and paper used in the publication. It just feels different than your usual paperback, there is a firmness and longevity in this publication that seems more solid and durable.

Interesting history of the design of the modern flute

As an engineer and a long time saxophone player who recently started learning the flute, I had many questions about why the flute was designed the way it was. This book is a translation of Boehm's notes on his life's work of transforming the old simple wooden flutes into the much more advanced modern flute. The translator did an excellent job, and includes many side notes of his own to explain more about what Boehm was talking about and to add interesting historical and technical points. Now I understand why certain notes are harder to play than others, why certain trade-offs were made, and how to play the instrument better. The result is a much simpler and more elegant design than the saxophone, and a professional instrument that you can fit in your glove box! And learning about the flute design has also helped me understand the design of the related saxophone and clarinet better. Boehm was a brilliant and dedicated inventor, craftsman and musician, so his story is both interesting and inspirational.

Indispensable for all flutists.

I lost my copy of this book, which I deeply regret. Boehm, as any flute player knows, invented both the key mechanism and concept of the conical, rather than cyndrilical flute. He also, in addition to being one of the finest flutists of his age, was the first to make flutes from metal, having trained as a goldsmith. This book details his research into the acoustical properties of the flute, as well as the key mechanism, and why he felt the need to improve them. I feel that any flutist will benefit from an understanding of why the modern flute is as it is.Boehm also includes invaluable hints on the correct manner of playing the flute. And who better to do so than the man who developed it to its' current level of perfection? His complete knowledge of the instrument is shown in this treatise.Overall, an indispensable book for flutists, and other windplayers who play on Boehm system mechanisms (eg: clarinets, oboes, bassoons, saxophones). Don't miss!

A fascinating glance into the history of modern flute

This book is a journey into the development of the modern flute by Theobold Boehm in mid-19 century. It reveals the combination of the artistic approach mixed with science, craftsmanship and persistence of Boehm to perfect the flute to what we know today. The transition from wood to metal, the new mechanism - all are groundbreaking. Another part of the book deals with flute playing and practicing. A must for anybody interested in acoustics of musical instruments. After reading this book I cannot but admire Boehm and his contribution to the world of music!