Theobald Boehm
Some of the most important additions to the flute were made by Theobald Boehm. Boehm was a goldsmith, and was very talented when it came to mechanical arts. He was also a very strong flute player. His interest in the instrument inspired him to work in his home, along with a painter named Greve, to develop his own flute. It was around 1810 when the first flute was finally finished. The flute at that time was far from completed, and Boehm attempted to perfect it through changing around keys, springs, and pads. However, he was still not satisfied with his version.
With his next model, he completely invented a new fingering pattern in a hope to put keys closer together. It took nearly twenty years before the new model was done. In this time, Boehm went so far as to create a new machine to complete jobs such as drilling the holes, pillars, posts, and springs. His new arrangement of keys required a rod to connect all them all, hence the need for a completely new machine.
Soon, Boehm introduced his unique flute model in places such as Paris and London. Once again, Boehm heard a flute player and decided to continue improving upon his flute. He chose to use 'open keys,' to produce a clearer sound. He also added a thumb crutch for the left hand to allow players to move their fingers easier to more complex songs. The popularity of these flute soon began to soar, and makers all over began creating what was known as the Boehm Flute.
Boehm made some final changes in the years of 1846-1848. After many experiments, Boehm determined silver to create the best sound with the flute. It also allowed players to play for longer periods of time without becoming fatigued. Also improving upon the tone of the flute, Boehm made a larger embouchure hole. He used felt to cover the inside of closed holes and experimented with a cylindrical bore.
Without Boehm's talent and knowledge, the flute would most likely not be the one we know today.
With his next model, he completely invented a new fingering pattern in a hope to put keys closer together. It took nearly twenty years before the new model was done. In this time, Boehm went so far as to create a new machine to complete jobs such as drilling the holes, pillars, posts, and springs. His new arrangement of keys required a rod to connect all them all, hence the need for a completely new machine.
Soon, Boehm introduced his unique flute model in places such as Paris and London. Once again, Boehm heard a flute player and decided to continue improving upon his flute. He chose to use 'open keys,' to produce a clearer sound. He also added a thumb crutch for the left hand to allow players to move their fingers easier to more complex songs. The popularity of these flute soon began to soar, and makers all over began creating what was known as the Boehm Flute.
Boehm made some final changes in the years of 1846-1848. After many experiments, Boehm determined silver to create the best sound with the flute. It also allowed players to play for longer periods of time without becoming fatigued. Also improving upon the tone of the flute, Boehm made a larger embouchure hole. He used felt to cover the inside of closed holes and experimented with a cylindrical bore.
Without Boehm's talent and knowledge, the flute would most likely not be the one we know today.