Soprano flute
| Woodwind instrument | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Third flute, tierce flute; fr: flûte à tierce; de: Terzflöte[1] |
| Classification | Woodwind (Aerophone) |
| Hornbostel–Sachs classification |
421.121.12 (open side-blown flute with fingerholes) |
| Playing range | |
| written range similar to the Western concert flute, but sounding a minor third higher | |
| Related instruments | |
| Flute, alto flute, bass flute, piccolo | |
The soprano flute (also called a third flute or tierce flute) is a type of flute, a musical instrument in the woodwind family. It is pitched in E♭, a minor third above the concert flute, and is the only member of the modern flute family that is not pitched in C or G. The pitch was set at a time such flutes substituted for the E-flat clarinet, but the instrument is now rare.[2]
In orchestral literature, the soprano flute appears in such standard works as Mozart's Die Entführung aus dem Serail, Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, and Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite.[1] However, the instrument is rarely available now. A few American publications for flute choir currently include a part for E♭ (soprano) flute. In these publications, an alternative part is provided either for the C flute or for the piccolo. With the substitution of one of these more commonly found instruments, however, the distinctive colour of a treble flute sound is missing.
References
- 1 2 "Flute I. 3. ii. Third flute". In L. Root, Deane. Grove Music Online. Oxford Music Online. Oxford University Press. (subscription required)
- ↑ "E-flat Soprano Flute". Bandestration.com. Retrieved 12-09-15. Check date values in:
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