How the Western concert flute makes its sound
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the Western concert flute belongs to the flutes (edge-blown): an air jet is split on a sharp edge, setting the air column vibrating – flutes, recorders, whistles and panpipes.
More broadly it is one of the aerophones (wind instruments), where sound comes from vibrating air.
Press play above and watch the spectrum: the evenly spaced peaks are harmonics, and their relative strength is what gives the instrument its character.
From Wikipedia
The Western concert flute can refer to the common C concert flute or to the family of transverse (side-blown) flutes to which the C flute belongs. Almost all are made of metal or wood, or a combination of the two. A musician who plays the flute is often called a "flautist" in British English and a "flutist" in American English.
This type of flute is used in many ensembles, including concert bands, military bands, marching bands, orchestras, flute ensembles, and occasionally jazz combos and big bands. Other flutes in this family include the piccolo, the alto flute, and the bass flute. A large repertory of works has been composed for flute.
Other flutes
More instruments from Germany
Frequently asked questions
What does the Western concert flute sound like?
As one of the flutes, its sound comes from the way an air jet is split on a sharp edge, setting the air column vibrating.
What type of instrument is the Western concert flute?
It is classified as flutes (edge-blown) (Hornbostel–Sachs 421.121.12).
Where does the Western concert flute come from?
The Western concert flute originates from Germany.
Sources & credits
- Wikidata Q209554 – CC0
- Wikipedia: Western concert flute – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Petar Milošević – CC BY-SA 4.0