Flutes in the Middle Ages and Renaissance
Although it is believed that flute's have existed for years, 1320 was the year in which the first flute's invention was recorded. This flute is extremely different than the one we know today.
-The flute was created from wood, and therefore was only in one piece
-The flute was approximitely 2 feet in length
-It contained six very small holes which could be coved with fingers, and an embrochure hole of the same size for the player to insert air
-The flute was created from wood, and therefore was only in one piece
-The flute was approximitely 2 feet in length
-It contained six very small holes which could be coved with fingers, and an embrochure hole of the same size for the player to insert air
Renaissance Flute
Almost 200 years after this Sebastian Virdung developed an interest in the flute, and chose to examine it closer. At this time, the flute was not very developed. It wasn't properly tuned, and due to the small embrochure hole, often came out sounding quiet and 'screechy.' His book provides us today with most of the insight we have on the Renaissance Flute.
Around this time, more people grew an interest in the flute, which at that time wasn't very popular. The first major addition was added; the D sharp key. This key is still found on our flute today, where the pinky of our right hand plays.
Martin Agricola used Virdung's research to do some of his own, and found that it was important to be able to create different sounds and pitches. To do this, he decided that there should be more than one type of flute. Soon after, he came out with the descent, tenor, alto, and bass flutes, all of which were bought together. Shown below is an illistration form Agricola's book, in which he shows his four instruments belonging to the flute family.
Around this time, more people grew an interest in the flute, which at that time wasn't very popular. The first major addition was added; the D sharp key. This key is still found on our flute today, where the pinky of our right hand plays.
Martin Agricola used Virdung's research to do some of his own, and found that it was important to be able to create different sounds and pitches. To do this, he decided that there should be more than one type of flute. Soon after, he came out with the descent, tenor, alto, and bass flutes, all of which were bought together. Shown below is an illistration form Agricola's book, in which he shows his four instruments belonging to the flute family.