LibGuides: Woodwind Resource Guide: Flute History and General Scholarship

Music & Performing Arts Library

Music and Performing Arts Library

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Subjects: Dance, Music, Theatre

Introduction

This page collects selected resources with information on the history, construction, and notable performers of your instrument available at MPAL! For suggestions to help you do some searching on your own for related material, refer to the call number and subject heading recommendations at the bottom of the page. As always, if you have any trouble finding material in the Library or navigating the catalog, don't hesitate to ask at the service desk!

General Information on the Flute

A Dictionary for the Modern Flutist by Maclagan, Susan J.; Trevor Wye (Foreword by)
Call Number: ML102.F58 M33D5 2009
A Dictionary for the Modern Flutist presents clear and concise definitions of more than 1,500 common flute-related terms that a player of the Boehm-system flute may encounter. Fully illustrated with more than 100 images, the entries contain descriptions of words related to all aspects of the flute: flute types, flute parts, flute repair, playing techniques, acoustics, articulations, intonation, common ornaments, flutemaking, flute history, flute music books, and more.
The Flute Book by Toff, Nancy
Call Number: ML935 .T65F5 2012
The Flute Book is a unique one-stop guide to the flute and its music organized into four main parts--The Instrument, Performance, The Music, and Repertoire Catalog. The book begins with a description of the instrument and its making, offers information on choosing and caring for a flute, sketches a history of the flute, and discusses differences between members of the flute family.
My Complete Story of the Flute by Lorenzo, Leonardo De
Call Number: ML935D4 M91992
This resource is a encyclopedia of the flute and its music written by the professional flutist Leonardo De Lorenzo. The book traces the history and evolution of the instrument from ancient times into the present and provides hundreds of biographies of flutists and composers of flute music.

Jazz-Flute.com
Jazz-Flute.com is an online resource dedicated to the study of the jazz flute. The website includes articles, news, reviews, and sheet music related to the jazz flute. Registration is required to view these resources, but it is completely free.

Flute History and Construction

The Early Flute: A Practical Guide by Brown, Rachel
Call Number: ML937 B76E1
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.
The Flute by Meylan, Raymond
Call Number: ML935 M49F513
This resource is a book that combines history and advice that describes some famous flautists and traces the development of the flute, both as a solo instrument and as an integrated part of the modern-day orchestra, in addition to providing practical tips and descriptions of various playing techniques.
The Flute: A Study of its History, Development and Construction by Bate, Philip
Call Number: 788.51 B31F
This resource is a book that traces the history and development of the orchestral flute from its origins in ancient times up into modern times in addition to the varieties of design, materials, manufacture, capabilities, and techniques for the flute.

Flute Performer Histories

Taffanel: Genius of the Flute by Blakeman, Edward
Call Number: ML419.T33 B53
The French flute player and conductor Paul Taffanel (1844-1908) was an extraordinary virtuoso and a major figure in fin-de-siècle Parisian musical life. Based on a treasure trove of private documents of Taffanel's previously unpublished letters and papers, Taffanel: Genius of the Flute recounts the rich story of his multi-faceted career as a player, conductor, composer, teacher, and leader of musical organizations.
The Man with the Golden Flute by Galway, James; Linda Bridges (As told to)
Call Number: ML419.G25 A3 2009
The internationally acclaimed, widely beloved flutist Sir James Galway reflects on his storied career spanning five decades and many genres of music, including the challenges he faced coming from the harsh environs of working-class Belfast and making the decision to go solo as a flutist as well as the triumphs as made his way to top of his profession.
The Right Place, the Right Time!: Tales of Chicago Symphony Days by Peck, Donald
Call Number: ML419.P43 A32007
This resource is an autobiography by professional flutists Donald Peck that offers an insider's view of the inner workings of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, one of the most prestigious orchestras in the country.

Flute Periodicals

Note: periodicals are arranged alphabetically in MPAL.

The Flutist Quarterly
Publication Date: 1984 to Present
The Flutist Quarterly is the flagship member publication of the National Flute Association, providing information and articles about the performance, study, history, manufacture, and enjoyment of flutes, flutists, and flute music. The library has all issues of the publication from 1984 to the present.
Flute Talk
Publication Date: 1981 to Present
Flute Talk is a magazine dedicated to providing insights from experienced professionals for serious flute players of all different backgrounds. The library has all issues of the magazine from 1981 to the present, with a total of ten issues published annually.