Customer Reviews

The Flute and Flute-Playing in Acoustical, Technical, and Artistic Aspects

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This book is a journey into the development of the modern flute by Theobold Boehm in mid-19 century. It reveals the combination of the artistic approach mixed with science, craftsmanship and persistence of Boehm to perfect the flute to what we know today. The transition from wood to metal, the new mechanism - all are groundbreaking. Another part of the book deals with flute playing and practicing. A must for anybody interested in acoustics of musical instruments. After reading this book I cannot but admire Boehm and his contribution to the world of music!

As an engineer and a long time saxophone player who recently started learning the flute, I had many questions about why the flute was designed the way it was. This book is a translation of Boehm's notes on his life's work of transforming the old simple wooden flutes into the much more advanced modern flute. The translator did an excellent job, and includes many side notes of his own to explain more about what Boehm was talking about and to add interesting historical and technical points. Now I understand why certain notes are harder to play than others, why certain trade-offs were made, and how to play the instrument better. The result is a much simpler and more elegant design than the saxophone, and a professional instrument that you can fit in your glove box! And learning about the flute design has also helped me understand the design of the related saxophone and clarinet better. Boehm was a brilliant and dedicated inventor, craftsman and musician, so his story is both interesting and inspirational.

This publication presents a detailed history lesson on the silver flute and its creator. This book offers inspiration and clarification to many rarely addressed technical issues for those dedicated to the lifetime adventure of playing the flute.
In addition to the method, composition, and other insights, the copied letters, notes, and drawings throughout the book(many still in their original German, handwritten format) are an added treat.

I also like the binding and paper used in the publication. It just feels different than your usual paperback, there is a firmness and longevity in this publication that seems more solid and durable.