Bass flute

The bass flute is the bass member of the flute family. It is in the key of C, pitched one octave below the concert flute. Because of the length of its tube (approximately 146 cm), it is usually made with a "J" shaped head joint, which brings the embouchure hole within reach of the player. It is usually only used in flute choirs, as it is easily drowned out by other instruments of comparable register, such as the clarinet. It is rarely found in scores today.

Alternate terminology

Prior to the mid-20th century, the term "bass flute" was sometimes used, especially in Great Britain, to refer to the alto flute instead (e.g., the part for "bass flute in G" in Gustav Holst's The Planets).

Tone

The bass flute has a lush, velvety, round tone that can become slightly harder than that of a regular flute in the upper octaves. Although the bass flute is generally regarded as a fairly quiet instrument, a few skilled professional flautists are able to produce a tone of considerable volume on the instrument.

Range and construction

The instrument's range is between C3 (the viola's lowest note) to F#6 (three ledger lines above the treble clef). This is the range at which the bass flute actually sounds. Bass flute music is usually written an octave higher so as written it has the same range as the concert flute, C4 to F#7. As with the concert flute, notes above C6 / C7 are considered beyond the normal range. They are not often used, may be difficult to sound with inferior tone or intonation, and require alternate fingerings. Bass flutes are often made with silver plated bodies and head joints. Some companies, such as Emerson Flutes, allow for options such as trill keys, solid silver head joint, and also a low B foot that is normally only available on concert flutes. The C foot is usually used on bass flutes because it tends to be more lively and resonant, helping the bass flute project better and respond faster. The B foot allows the bass flute to be more versatile in the music world, allowing it to do more of the techniques that the Concert flute can do. The B foot also makes the flute more resistant, slightly dampening its tone and response.

Repertoire

Many composers are beginning to write more for the bass flute, not only for ensemble work, but also for solo works, as well as with duets and other ensembles. Tristan Murail's Ethers, for instance, is scored for solo bass flute and small ensemble. Tan Dun's Paper Concerto for Paper Instruments and Orchestra has a major bass flute part. .