The history of the alto flute in G (to tune to an A you play a D) began over one hundred years ago. However, very little music has been written for it and most of that music is quite easy. Theobald Boehm, also responsible for the modern C flute key placement, loved the alto flute because he found the embouchure less demanding.

Alto Flute in G

    The modern bass flute in C came into being in the 1920's as an extension of the flute family. The same reason as in the 1980's, the contra-bass flute was first built in Japan. The bass flute sounds an octave lower than the C flute, and  the contra-bass two octaves lower. The bass flute was first an experiment in jazz as a colorful substitute for the saxophone. The nature of both alto and bass flutes, with the larger bore and less penetrating sound, dictates that the music cannot be as technically demanding as that written for the C flute.

    There are problems, solutions, and possibilities with the instruments. The alto and bass flutes share the problem of supporting the weight of the flutes, with the hands so far from your body. The extra distance puts the hands at an awkward angle and causes hand cramps if played continuously for more than twenty minutes. So, it is difficult to spend a lot of practice time to become really good. There is a curved headjoint which is somewhat new to the alto flute; however, it does create some intonation problems in the middle register. The alto and bass flutes are not loud instruments and are best suited for solo and chamber music. Another consideration that I have experienced is that there is a physical adjustment between the C flute and alto and bass that is more difficult than you might imagine. The C flute feels like a toy after playing the larger flutes, so give yourself time to adjust.

    The possibilities of the alto and bass flutes are that they extend the flute range in the lower sounds, and are especially interesting for flute ensembles and flute choirs. Both instruments are quickly gaining respect and popularity especially among improvising and new music flutists. We should think of the alto and bass flutes as the "next step" in the expanding world of flute playing. If you are interested in purchasing an alto or bass flute, prices start at around  $995.00 and up for an alto and $1900.00  and up for a bass flute. Be sure to try one!

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