History of the Flute
The flute is the oldest known form of musical instrument. Originally they were carved from the tusk of a mammoth or the lighter bones of swans or cranes. Incidentally, the Latin word ‘tibia’ means ‘shin’ and also ‘wind instrument’. The oldest known flutes were found in caves in the Germany region of Europe. No one is sure how these oldest of flutes were played because usually only parts of them are found. Many relief carvings and cave drawings show them played to the left.
The first flutes dating from 35,000 years ago had only three to five holes. More recently, around 9,000 years ago, they became more complex with five to eight holes. These more recent flutes were excavated in Central China. China improved the design further by using lacquered bamboo, and they also closed the ends. By the Middle Ages, painting showed flutes being played to the right.
Flutes have evolved into two distinct lines: those blown from the top and those blown from the side. Top-blown flutes include pan flutes, tin whistles and recorders, which are those plastic instruments children learn to play in elementary school. Side blown flutes include the concert flute, which is the most recognized flute in the Western world, and the piccolo.
During the sixteenth thru eighteenth centuries, also known as the Baroque period, flutes made significant changes. The method for drilling the interior changed the shape of the inside, and more and different holes allowed the playing of major and minor scales. Since the holes extended so far down the flute, keys were added as well.
In 1832, Theobald Boehm developed the flute we know today, and changed the history of the flute forever. He created his flute of metal instead of wood or bone and rearranged the mouthhole and keys. The vastly improved intonation and finger movement helped the flute gain worldwide popularity. Learn more about flutes like Haynes flutes or Muramatsu flutes.
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