Alto Flute Information

The alto flute is not a common instrument. It was developed relatively recently, and has a limited application. Here are a few facts about the alto flute to help you understand how the instrument functions in musical works and its place in the musical instrument family.

History

Theobald Boehm developed the alto flute in 1854 by using a model of an improved C flute. The alto flute was not widely used until the Romantic and Modern periods of musical history.

Construction

The alto flute is longer than the the more common C flute, and has an end that curves back towards the player like the letter "J." However, the two types of flutes have a very similar arrangement of keys.

Pitch

The alto flute is pitched in G, which means that it will produce a note equal to a perfect fourth (P4) below the music that is written. The sound produced by the alto flute is darker and lower in tone than the sound of the standard C flute.

Range

The range of the alto flute is from the G below concert C to the second G above the staff. Range limitations can often be surpassed by experienced flautists if the effect is desired.

Musical Appearances

The alto flute has been used in many orchestral works, including "The Planets" by Gustav Holst and "The Rite of Spring" by Igor Stravinsky. In addition, the alto flute is often employed as a doubling instrument in jazz ensembles.

Fun Fact

The alto flute was used in several parts of Howard Shore's score for the "Lord of the Rings" movies.

References

• Flute Facts