The Early Flute

This handbook addresses all who wish to consider the issues raised when performing music of the past. It provides sound advice on instruments and their care, historical techniques, stylistic issues and historically informed interpretation, with examples drawn from a wide range of case studies, including Bach, Handel and Mozart.

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This practical guide for flautists provides a survey of the instrument - its development, its technique, its repertoire and its literature - between 1700 and 1900. Each issue is set in a musical context and technical and stylistic matters such as fingering, tone production, articulation, ornamentation, vibrato, expression and delivery are examined in depth, applying evidence from historical sources to the standard flute repertoire. A series of case studies offers detailed interpretations of music by Hotteterre, Handel, Bach, Gluck, Mozart and Boehm. As an internationally recognised soloist, orchestral player and teacher of modern and historical flutes, Rachel Brown brings a wealth of experience to amateurs and professionals alike, encouraging stylistic awareness through an understanding of the way in which composers and flautists approached instruments of the past. Copious music examples, illustrations, fingering charts and bibliographies make this a standard reference book for both 'period' and modern flautists.