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100% found this document useful (17 votes)
5K views199 pagesQuantz On Playing The Flute
english translation of the famous flute playing treatese
Uploaded by
Maria PetrescuCopyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF or read online on Scribd
/ 199
PREFACE
Lpnusew hese to the lovers of music a method for playing the transverse
ute. I have tried to teach cleatly and from the first rudiments everything,
requiced for the practice of this insteument.
Thave therefore also ventured rather extensively into the precepts of
good taste in practical music. And although I have applied them specific-
ally only co the transverse flute, they caa be usefut to all those who make a
profession of singing ot of the practice of other instruments, and wish
to apply themselves to good musical execution. Each person so inclined
need only choose and apply that which is suited to his voice or instru-
ment.
Because the effectiveness of a musical composition does not depend en-
titely upon those who play the principal or concertante patts, and because
the accompanying instrumentalists must also attend to their patts, I have
added a special chapter in which I show how the principal parts must be
properly accompanied.
In doing this I do not believe I have ventused too far afield. Since Tam
‘endeavouring to train a skilled and intelligent musician, and not just
mechanical lute player, I must try not only to educate his lips, tongue, and
fingers, but must also try to form his taste, and sharpen his discernment.
‘A knowledge of how to accompany well is particularly necessary, not only
because the player may be frequently obliged to perform this function, but
also because he is entitled to know his claims upon those who accompany
and support him when he performs a solo part.
‘The last chapter proceeded from similar motives, In it I show how a
‘musician and a musical composition must be judged, The first part can
serve a beginner in music as a mirror from which he can inquire into him-
self, and sec the judgement that just and reasonable connoisseurs might
past upon him. The second patt may serve as a guide in the choice of the
pieces he wishes to play, and protect him from the danger of taking dross
for gold
But these were not the only reasons that induced me to add the two
final chaptess. I have already said that all musicians who perform prin-
cipal parts can profit from this method in some way. I hope that my book
will gain still wider general utility if those instrumentalists who apply
themselves primarily to accompaniment by preference also find in it
instruction 2s to that which they must observe if they wish to accompany
well. Beginners in composition will find in the last chapter outlines from
which they can trace out the pieces they wish to write,
I do not pretend, however, to prescribe rules for those musicians who
have acquired genesal approbation either in composition of in perfor- 8
mance. On the contrary, T publish thei chose of thei com-
Pe sgh the partic guishes
them from so many others, thus showing the young people who devote
themselves to music how they must proceed if they ‘wish to imitate these
celebrated men, and follow in their footsteps.
If at times I seem to stray from the material that I treat, and if I make
slight digressions, I hope I will be pardoned because of my determination
to correct defects still in vogue in music, and because of my desire to
make use of this opportunity to communicate vasions remarks which
will be of service in the improvement of good taste in practical music,
Occasionally T seem to speak sather dictatorially, supporting my tenets
only with a simple ‘oar ma?’, without advancing other proofs. Here
fone should remember that at times it would take too long, at times it
would be impossible, to give demonstrative proofs of matters that neatly
always depend upon taste. Anyone who does not wish to trust my taste,
which I have diligently endeavoured to putify through long experience
and reficetion, is free to try the opposite of that which I teach, and then
choose what seems best to him.
I do not, however, wish to set myself up as infallible, If someone con-
vinees me with teason and moderation of something better than what 1
have said, I will be the first to approve and accept it. I will continue to
investigate the materials that I have treated here, and whatever I may
find to add may, perhaps, be communicated in supplements printed separ-
ately. Then I will either make use of the remarks which [here invite good
friends to give me, if I think they are well founded, or I will reply to
them. I will not, however, trouble myself to reply to anyone who dwells
only on insignificant trifle, or etiticizes me simply for the sake of criticiz-
ing. 1am particularly unwilling to enter into disputes about words.
Although in this essay I believe I have stated everything, as regards the
transverse flute, that is necessary to learn this instrament, I am far from
maintaining that somebody can leatn the flute well from it by himself
without farther instructions and without having a teacher at hand. And
since I have always presumed that one will be assisted by a teacher, I have
‘omitted some of the rudiments of music, and have gone into detail only
where I have found some advantages to disclose, or something particular
to call to mind. Frequently a treatment of some point that may seem too
ample or even superfluous to one person another will find hardly sufficient.
For this reason I have preferred to say certain things twice, if they pertain
to two different chapters, when it could be done without prolixity, then to
tax the patience of some of my readers with the necessity of making fre-
‘quent references for the sake of a trifle.
fin this work I make use of some foreign words at times, I do s0 to be
more easily understood. German translations of the technical terms of
music still have not been introduced everywhere, and thus are not
familiar to all musicians. Until they become more customary and general,
Preface ’
the usual techafea! tex
retained,
Since much in this trestise may not be so intelligible if the examples are
not at hand, my readers would do well to have the copperplate tables
bound separately, so that they are always close by, and may be compared
more conveniently with what I tay in the book.t
So that my book, which I have written in German, may be useful to
other nations, I have had it translated into French; ‘and for the same
reason it was necessary to employ two styles of denominating the notes.
For the sest, I doubt not a favourable reception for these iy labours,
and the accouat that I render of the use Ihave made until now? of my pre-
s borrowed from foreign languages must be
vious leisure hours
Beslia,
written in September
1732
Quanre
4 ‘The following paragraph sppenrs only in the French ext. Soba syllables were added afer
the pitch letersi the Freach tmelation, oon of tbe Bry
rom an enguvng by Gx F. Sein se Bs German and French eons of the Es
Pree et Ping te Tronnerse Fle
INTRODUCTION
Of the Qualities Requited of Those Who
Would Dedicate Themselves to Music
a
Before T begin my instructions for playing the flute, and for becoming a
goed musician at the same time, I feel that i is necessary to give these
who wish t0 apply themselves to music, and by that means make them.
selves useful members of society, some rules by which they may deter.
mine whether they are gifted with all the qualities necessary to 2 good
‘musician, In this way they will not err in the choice of this profession, and
need fear none of the unhappy consequences that would result from an
unwise choice.
Sa
{ speak here only of those who truly wick to make music theit profession
and with time to become excellent in it. Less, of course, is required of
those who wish to devote themselves to it only as an avocation and for
their own enjoyment, but they will acquire so much the miore honour and
Pleasure if they ate willing and able to profit from, what is said here and in
the following pages.
Ss
‘The choice of a profession, and the decision to enter into that of music
oF any other, must be made with great circumspection, Very few persons
have the good fortune to be dedicated to that science! or profession for
which they are best suited by nature. Frequently this misfortune is due to
lick of knowledge on the part of parents of superiors. They often force
young people into something in which only they, the superiors, have
pleasure; of they imagine that this or that science or profession brings
‘more honous, of greater advantages, than another; or they demand that
the children learn just the same trade as theie parents, thus forcing them to
Enter into 2 way of life for which they, the children, have neither love nor
aptitude. Hence it is not surprising that exceptional scholars and particu
latly distinguished astists are so rare. IF we paid diligent attention to the
inclinations of young people, sought to find out how they spontaneously
preferred to occupy themselves, and gave them the freedom to choose for
J, Miewmtcht (wens), On te varius meanings of thie tem, see the Preface tothe Trantan a Introduction. Of the Qualities Regrired of
1d
many s0-c:le
sins, while many
lf know of sv0
th the sams master, about f
hs. The first was dedicated
not wish his son to become
expente, retaining ceveral masters 69
‘on ia the scfeace of thorough-bass, in composition, and
Ihoug’s the apprentice himself showed 2. great
c, and applied himself to it assiduously, he remaine
very ordinary musician, and would have been much better at his father’s
trade thon at music. The second musician,* on the other hand, was des-
tined by his father, who was less wealthy, for the blacksmith’s trade. And
this would ceetainly have been his fate, ifthe premature death of his father
hnad not let him free to choose his profession in accordance with his own
wishes. To that end his zelatives sought to learn whether he wished to
become a smith, a tailor, or a musician, or if he desired an academic career,
for there were some among his relatives in each of these professions.
Because he felt the greatest inclination for music, he happily embraced
that art, and was apprenticed to the master mentioned above. What he
Jacked ia tnstruction, and In the mieans to retain other misters, was uplca
by his talent, inclination, eagerness, and industry, as well as by the happy
circumstance that he soon found himself in places where he could heat
sch that was good, and share the society of many worthy connoisseurs
Had his father lived only a few yeats longer, this Blacksmith’s son would
have had to become a smith also, and as a result his talent for music woald
have been buried, and the musical works he was later to fashion would
never have seen the light. I will not mention here the many other instances
of people who have devoted half of their lives to music, and made it theit
profession, only to tua in theit mature years to another art in which,
‘without special instruction, chey were more successful than ia music, Had
these people been led in youth to the profession that they afterwards
adopted, they would surely have become very great artists
S4
‘The fiest quality? required of someone who wishes to become a good
musician is a particularly good talent, or natural gift. He who wishes ¢o
"The second msn is Quins him, Here he given an stonrmoyt sna fi on
youth ecpe'encen, Se The Life of Her Jhana Joachin Qs hy Hine
In, Nel, Fron Mais (ew York: epi iba 953) pp abort. ile
‘ofthe German tex ofthis ausbiography ie found in W, Kabl,Sevbgaplien datsh Naber
i XVI. Jokretres (Cologne Staten Verne 1948). 404-57.
Oe OS gm gin
see chapter iv of Wolfgang Kaspar Pint’ Phryats Moca, der andr Ph des str
tion, we would find more
inclination for mo:
Those Who Would Dedicate Themselves to Music a
‘0 composition must have a lively and fery spirit, unteed
a soul eapable of tender feeling; a good mixture, without too much
melancholy, of what scholars call the temperaments; much imagination,
inventiveness, judgement, and discernment; a good memory; a good and
delicate ear; a shaxp and quick eye; and a receptive mind that grasps every-
thing quickly and easily. Someone who wishes to devote himself to an
instrument must be equipped with various physical endowments, accord-
ing to the nature of the instrument, in addition to many of the qualities of
a:
entioned shove, For example, a wind instrament, and the flute in
requizes a completely healthy body; strong and open lungs;
aged beeaths even teeth that ace nelther too foag nor too short; lips
that are thia, smooth, and delicate rather than puffed out and thick, which
have neither too much nor too little flesh, and with which one may cover
the mouth easily; a fuent and skilful tongues well-formed fingers that are
neither too long nor too short, too corpulent or too pointed, but are pro-
vided with good tendons; and an unobstructed nasal passage for inhaling
and exhaling with ease, A singer must have the strong chest, the long
breath, and the ready tongue in common with the wind player, while
the players of stringed and bowed instruments must have the able fingers
and the stsong tendons; in addition the first must be gifted with a beautifal
voice, and the second with supple joints in his hands and arms,
Ss
Wf, then, these’ qualities are found in a person, he is indeed generally
qualified for music; but since natural gifts are so varied, and are seldom
all present in so full a measure in the same person, it will always be found
that one person is more disposed to one thing, afother to something else.
For example, one person may have a natural bent for composition, but
ray not be qualified for the handling of instruments, while a second may
possess more ability for instruments, but have no capacity at all for com-
position; third may have more talent for oné instrument than foranother,
a fourth have ability for all instruments, and a fifth have it for none. If
somebody has the necessaty talent for composition, for singing, and for
insteaments, it may be said, in the most exact sense, that he is born to
asic.
56
Hence:it is necessary for each person, before he settles upon something
in music, to explore carefully the area to which his talent most inclines
him, TE this matter were always properly considered, there would be less
imperfection in music than there is at the present time, and will perhaps
Canponrtor Sagan C. Oka, x67), which deals with the Regasitn ri gun Componitens, See
tlso chaper il of the ame Macca ndeatern oats Schetcnite: C. Okel, 1678),
hich deals wit the Regier nee Sges wad renderich von der Latur uh tnd web
Geach, 1% Tatroduction. Of the Qualities Required of
continue to be. He whe devotes himself to 2 branch
he lacks the gifts will always remain a mediocre musi
best instruction and applicatic
§7
Ttis cleat from whar has been said above thet a special talent is zequired
if one is to become an able and learned musician, By the words ‘able
Imean a good singer or instru ‘leamed musician’”®
.nd, V apply to someone who has learned composition
-¢, however, we do not always need muticians of the
excellence, and a musician of moderate ahility can serve as a good
ist or performer of middle parts, it should he noted that less talent is
required of someone who aspires to be no more than a good tipienist.*
Whoever has a healthy body, with well-disposed and healthy limbs, and
yet is not stupid or of unsound mind can, with much industry, learn what
js called the mechanics of music, and these are the proper qualifications
of a ripienist. Everything he needs to know—for example, tempo,? the
value and division of the notes, and the matters connected with them, the
bow-stroke upon stringed instruments, and the tongue-stroke, em-
bouchure, and fingering upon wind instruments—may be understood
through rules that can be clearly and fully explained. The many who have
ino proper understanding of one ot another of these things usually have
only themselves to blame: it is astonishing that many musicians of
‘matute years should, with no lack of opportunity for improvement, still be
deficient in matters that they might have learned in two of three years’
time, What I have just said must not be interpreted as a disparagement of
good ripienists. ‘There are many who have talent, are industrious, dis-
tinguish themselves above others, and are often worthy and capable of
Jeading an orchestra, yet must suffer the misfortune of being so harassed
and thwarted, as a result of jealousy, avarice, and countless other reasons,
that their talent can never achieve maturity. Those who, despite their
inclination for music, possess no exceptional gifts for it, may note by
way of consolation that if nature has not permitted them to become
bright stars in che world of music, they may still be very useful people if
they become good ripienists, But whoever has been given a completely
wooden and unfeeling spizit, hopelessly clumsy fingers, and mo ear for
music, would do better to learn some other art.
4+¥ We apologize tothe reader forthe word risen; i will be new to him, but ill
be intelligible from the description given here.
thoroughly
1 Guichen Macibu (hebile Mascon,
* Golertr lata tant Burin
1 the French text the word ‘mete’ je subsceued for ‘tempo’. Both terms may have bee
‘ued in a broader anes to indiats time’.
The following note appears only in the Preach tet.
Those Who Would Dedicate Themselves to Music a
$8
Furthermore, he who wishes to excel in music must feel in himself a
perpetual and untiring love for it, a willingness and eagerness to spare
either industry nor pains, and to bear steadfastly all the difficulties that
present themselves ia this mode of life. Music seldom procures the same
advantages as the other arts, and even if some prosper in i, this prosperity
is most often subject to inconstancy. Changes of taste, the weakening of
bodily powers, vanishing youth, the loss of a-patron—upon whom the
entire fortune of many a musician depends—are all capable of hindering
the progress of music. Experience sufficiently confirms this, if we think
back only about half a century. How many are the changes in the musical
life of Germany! At many courts, and in many towns where music pre-
viously flourished, so that a good number of able people were trained in
it, now nothing but ignorance prevails. At the majority of courts formerly
provided with some moderately able people, and even with some very
celebrated ones, the unfortunate custom has been introduced of giving the
first places in the musical establishment to persons who do not merit even
the last positions in a good orchestra, to persons whose office does indeed
bring chem some consideration among the ignorant who allow themselves
to be blinded by titles, but who do no honour to their office, bring no
advantage to music, and do not advance the pleasure of those upon whom,
their fortune depends. Although music is a science that can acver Le
studied and investigated too thoroughly, it does not have the good
fortune of other sciences, in patt higher, in part on the same level, of being
taught publicly. Some cloudy-minded modern philosophers do not, like
the ancients,! consider knowledge of it a necessity. People of means do
ot cultivate it, and the poor do not have the means to retain good
masters at the outset, of to travel to places where music of good taste is in
vogue, Nevertheless, at some places music has again begun to receive
gzeater esteem, There once more it has its noble connoisseurs, protectors,
aad patrons, Its honour is beginning to be restored by those enlightened
philosophers who again count it among the fine arts. The taste for these
fine arts, particularly in Germany, is becoming increasingly enlightened?
and widespread, Those who have decent training can always earn a living.
§9
Someone who has the talent and the inclination for music must make
every effort to secute a good master.3 It would take too long if I were to
Hexe Quante probably sefer to the Greek philosophers, Ehewhere he uses the term
simply to indiate any eater generation of mvtiian, inthe sense of hes
oii (tt).
3 Fora related diseosion af teachers, ¢e PP, ‘Tsi, Obvretinn he Flori Son, tans by
Galland (snd ed.5 London: J, Wilcox, 1743), pp, 1-30. The orginal Italian tretite of Tost
‘as published ip Bologna in "723, and Quantsvivted Bologna in t724, Quante also met Tost
‘when shep were both in England in 1727. See Net, Forte Marcow, Dp. 199, 384. AA Introduction. Of the Quolitice Required of
example, Iwill only take
quired for the on dy of te
tne thar this instrument has become very common in the last thirty to
ie a ee nr
inte. vogue, we no longer suffer any lack of pieces! through which =
student may learn with but slight difficulty the skill necessary on the
instrument to control his tongue, fingers, and embouchure. In spite of this,
there are still very few who know how to play it in accordance with its
‘natte, and in its proper style. It seems as if the majority of flute players
hove fingers and tongues, to be sure, but are deficient in brains, does
it not? Ie is absolutely necessary for anyone who wishes to learn the
instrument adequately to have a good master, and I expressly demand it
of anyone who wishes to make use of my method. But how many are
there upon whom the title of master may be justly conferred? Are not the
majority, when closely observed, still students in their science? How,
then, can they teach music, if they themselves remain in a state of ignor-
ance? To be sure, there ate some who play the instrument well, or at least
passably; many, however, lack the ability to impart to others that which.
they know themselves. It is possible that somebody who plays quite well
knows litle of how to teach, Someone else may teach better than he plays.
‘And since a student is not able to judge whether a master instructs well
ot poorly, he is forrunate indeed if by chance he selects the best. The
attributes of a teacher who will train good students are difficult to define
in detail, but an approximate idea may be gained from the following list,
of defects that he must avoid. A beginner will also do well to ask the
advice of petsons who ate impartial, yet have insight into music. The
student must beware of a master who understands nothing of harmony
and who is no more than an instrumentalist; who has not learned his
science thoroughly, and according to correct principles; who has no clear
notion of embouchure, fingering, breathing, and tonguing; who does not
know how to play the passage-work? in the Allegro or the little embel-
ishments and niceties in the Adagio} distinctly and roundly; who does not
have an agreeable and distinct execution, ot a refined taste in general;
who possesses no knowledge of the proportions of the notes needed for
playing the flute with correct intonation; who does not know how to
observe tempo with the greatest strictness; who does not know how to
play a plain aic coherently, and to introduce the appoggiaturas, pinremens,
the century violin mic wa freuen adopted forthe Bote, MC
seein a Modes sppon acer dtr de its aera Pais Bay
BJs gid bt dcnon of bow tts de a gies a et Ce
Bp "Quant also mentions the lek of good mesic specicly tended for the eon
Se pees (semen ange on we ths tine come «somal and important pt
oi ermpeation wish gree Tones so oppor senate Hs A =
Oe Quon use ofthe Alegosthe Adagio’ andthe phe ‘the proportions ofthe
note tha pens below, se the Pefice vo the Tasltion.
reat of masters in eve
¢ time eo diseus:
Those Who Would Dedicate Theracelvee to Muse "
ns, flallenent, and shakes at the p
Adagio does not know how to add extempore graces to the plain ait (that
is, one written without embellishments) as the airand the harmony requize
and who is unable to sustain light and shadow through the alternation of
Forte and Piano as well as through the graces. The student must avoid
& master who is not in a position to explain cleatly and thoroughly every-
thing that the student finds dificult to understand, and seeks to impatt
everything by ear, and through imitation, as we train birds; a master who
Matters the apprentice, and overlooks all defects; who does not have the
Patience to show the student the same thing frequently, and have him
repeat it; who does not know how to choose the pieces that are suited
atone time or another to the capacity of the student, and how to play each
piece in its style; who seeks to delay the student; who does not prefer
honour to self-interest, hardship to comfort, and unselfish service to
jealousy and envy; or who in general does not have the progress of music
as his goal. Masters with these defects cannot train good students. If, how=
ever, one is found whose students not only play truly and distinetly,
but are also quite sure in tempo, you have substantial reasons to expect
much of him.
hasten jovho in an
pls
$10
Whoever wishes to apply himself to music profitably will enjoy a con
siderable advantage if he falls into the hands of a good master af the very
beginning, There are some who have the harmful delusion that atthe outset
it is unnecessary to have a good master in order to learn the fondamental
principles, For the sake of economy they often take whioever is cheapest,
and ofien someone who himself knows nothing’at all, so that one blind
man leads another, I advise the opposite course. The hest master should
be secured at the very beginaing, even if he must be paid two or thee
times as much as others. It will cost no more in the end, and both time
and effort will be saved. More can be accomplished in a year with 2 good
‘master than in ten years with a poor one.
gu
Although, as has been showa here, much depends upon a good master
‘who can instruct his apprentices thoroughly, still more depends upon the
students themselves. There ate frequent examples of good masters who
hhave trained poor students, and, on the contrary, of poor masters who
have trained good students. It is well known that many excellent musi.
cians have distinguished themselves who have had no other master than
thei great natural ability, and the opportunity to hear much that is good;
‘hese musicians have advanced further through their own effort, industry,
diligence, and constant inquicy than many who have been instructed by
* Translator’ parentheses, 8 Introduction. Of the Quali
severat masters. Thus a special industey and attentiveness are also
ine who lacks them should be advised aot to
occupy himself wi ‘at least if poses to make his fortune
through it, No success can be promised to anyone who loves idleness,
slochfulness, or other such futile things more than music. Many who
dedicate themselves to music deceive themselves in this regard. They
shrink from the inevitable hardships. They would like to become skilful,
but they do not wish to exert the necersary effort. They imagine that
ius fe all pleasure, that to learn it is child's play, chat neither physical
not mental powers are needed, that neither knowledge nor experience
‘pperiains 10 it, and that everything depends entirely upon inclination and
good natural ability. It is true that innate ability and inclination are the
Primary foundations upon which solid understanding must be built. But
thorough instruction, and, on the part of the student, much industry and
reflection, are absolutely necessary to erect the entire structure. If novice
hhas had the good fortune to find a good master at the outset, he must
place all his confidence in him. He must be tractable rather than obstinate;
he must seek zealously and eagerly not only to carry out and copy what
his master prescribes during the lesson, but also to repeat it frequently by
himself with much diligence; and if he has not properly understood some-
thing, or has forgotten it, he must ask the master about it atthe following
lesson. A novice must not allow himself to be vexed if he is frequently
admonished about die sane untier, but snust satber take such admonicions
1 a sign of his own carelessness and of the zeal of his teacher, and hold
that master the best who corrects him most frequently. Hence the student
must pay close attention to his defects; for when he begins to recognize
them, half the battle is won. If it is necessary for the master to correct him
t00 often about the same matter, he may be safely assured that he will have
little success in music; for there are countless things which no master will
teach him, or can teach him, and which he must, as it were, ‘lift from
‘others. Indeed it is this licensed thievery that produces the greatest
artists.t The student must not drop anything that has been the subject of
much criticism before he can play it as the master demands. He must not
prescribe to the master what kind of pieces should be given him itis for
the master to know best what can be of advantage to the student. If, as 1
presuppose, he has had the good fortune to find a good master, he rust
seek.to retain him as long as he has need of instruction. There is nothing
‘more injurious than for a student to betake himself for instruction to one
master after another. Different kinds of execution and different ways of
playing confuse the beginner, since he must, so to speak, constantly start
over again. There are many who like to boast of having stzdied with
many great masters, but they will seldom be found to have profited much
from it. Whoever runs from one master to another is satisfied with none,
Required of
+ For a clearer idea of the importance that Quants attaches to the study of ethers through
Tistening, see Chapter X, § 20,
These Who Woxld Dedicate
elves to Music 9
‘onfidence ia none; and no one wishes to accept the procepts of a
whom he has no confidence. Having placed the proper con-
person
fidence in a good master, and allowed him sufficient time to manifest his
knowledge, the student with a genvine desire to perfect himself will dis-
cover from time to time new benefits that he had been previ
to perceive, which will stimulate him to further inquiry.
ty unable
ua 7
is sort must also be warmly recommended to the beginning
- Industry alone is not enough. He may have good natural ability,
good instruction, great industry, and good opportunities to hear much
that is beautiful, yet never rise above mediocrity. He may compose a
great deal, and sing and play frequently, without increasing his know-
Jedge and skill. For everything in music that is done without reflection and
deliberation, and simply, as it were, a5 a pastime, is without profit. In-
dustry founded upon ardent love and insatiable enthusiasm for music
must be united with constant and diligent inquiry, and mature refection
and examination. In this respect a noble pride must prevent the beginner
from being easily satisfied, and must inspire him to gradually perfect him-
self. Anyone who only cares to devote himself to music haphazardly, 2s t0
a trade rather than an art, will remain a lifelong bungler.
Inguity of
Su
Impatience must not intrudé upon the endeavour to progress, making
the student want to begin only where others leave off. Some commit this
certor. They either choose for their practice very difficult pieces for which
‘they are not yet prepared, and which lead them into the habit of rushing
over the notes and executing them indistinetly, of, in the wish to be galaeh,
they lapse into pieces which are so easy that their only advantage is that of
flattering the ear. Those pieces, on the other hand, which sharpen their
susical disceement, deepen their insight into harmony, make their bow-
siroke, tongue-stroke, embouchure, and fingers adept, which are good for
learning how to read and correctly divide notes and how to judge tempo
without immediately tickling the senses, pieces of this sort, I say, they
neglect and even consider a waste of time, although neither good execu-
tion nor good taste may be achieved without them.
S14
‘Too great a dependence upon talent is a great obstacle to industry and
subsequent reflection. Experience teaches that we encounter more ignor-
ant persons among those who possess especially good natural gifts than
among those who enhance mediocre talents through industry and reflec-
sion. Indeed, good natural ability is for many a detriment rather than an 2» Introduction. Of the Qualities Required of
advantage. For convincing proof, consider the majority of fashionable
modern composers. How many does one find who have learned the att of
composition in accordance with principles? Do not the majority rely
almost entirely upon instinct? With at most a slight understanding of
thorough-bass, they believe that so profound a science as composition in-
volves no more than the insight and ability to avoid forbidden ffths and
octaves, and perhaps to make a drum bass! and set to it one or two feeble
middle parts; all the rest they consider harmful pedantry that only hinders
good taste and good melody. If no technical skill is necessary, and pure
natural ability is sufficient, why then do the pieces of experienced com-
posers make sttonger impression, gain a wider dissemination, and re-
main ia vogue longer than those of untatored instinctive writers; and
why do the finished products of every good composer show a great im-
provernent over his first sketches? Is this to be attributed to pure natural
ability, ot to ability and skill combined? Natural ability is innate, while
techincal skill is learned through good instruction and diligent inquiry,
and both ate necessary to 2 good composer. Although the operatic style
has brought about an improvement in taste, it has produced a decline in
technical skill. Since itis believed that genius and invention are more essen-
tial in this kind of music than knowledge of composition, and since opera-
tic music generally finds greater favour among the amateurs than insteu-
mental music or music composed for the church, the young and untatored
‘composers in Italy have for the most part occupied themselves with it,
both to acquire a reputation quickly, and in the briefest possible time to
pass for masters, or, as they say, mzestri. But the premature endeavour to
obtain this title makes mest of the majority before they have been
students, for they have learned no correct principles to begin with, and
after having received the applause of the ignorant are ashamed to receive
instruction. Hence they imitate each other, copy each other’s works, or
even present another’s work as their own, as experience will show,
especially if such instinctive composers find it necessary to seck their
fortune in foreign lands. They bring along their inventions not in theit
heads but in their luggage. And if by any chance they have the capacity
to invent something out of their own heads, without decking themselves
out in another's plumes, they seldom spend the time demanded by such
sn extended work as an opera: on the contrary, itis often considered a
special mark of cleverness to be able to scribble out an entise opera in ten
or twelve days, without caring whether it is either beautiful or reasonable,
if it is only somewhat novel. It is easy to imagine the quality of things
produced in such haste. Indeed ideas must be, $0 to speak, snapped out of
the air, as a beast of prey pounces upon a bird. What happens to the order,
* Trunbal. Quant refers toa basin which single notesareepested at eng, suggenting
‘drum beatin their monotony. The Freachtanslatorsubatittes the phrase ‘ake a bass 8 a
‘tamboutio’, refering to the French dance form in which the bass frequently remained fot
long periods on the sre note
*Prench text: ‘ike birds of prey that subsist on whatever they find to their liking’
Those Who Would Dedicate Themselves to Music a
coherence, and nicety of the ideas? AS a result, there are no longer as
‘many excellent composers to be found in Italy as formerly. And if expe
enced composers are lacking, how ca good taste be preserved or per-
petuated? Anyone who knows the requirements of a perfect opera must,
‘admit that a work such as this requires an experienced composer rather
than a beginner, and more time than a few days. On the other hand, if
composers begin to write reasonably, and put aside that which is wild and
bold, the majority are unfortunately accused of having lost their fre, of
having exhausted themselves, showing less ingenuity, or of being poor in
invention, These things may be true of many, but if you were to inquire
closely into the matter, you would find that such misfortunes happen only
to the composers described above who have never learned composition
thoroughly. An edifice built upon poor foundations will not last very long.
But if talent, technical skill, and experience are combined, they will form
‘an almost inexhaustible soutce of tasteful invention.' Since experience is
so highly regarded in all trades, all sciences, and professions, why not also
in music, and in composition in patticular? Anybody who imagines that
everything in composition depends upon luck and blind fancy errs greatly,
and has not the slightest comprehension of the matter, It is true that in
ventions and fancies are fortuitous, and cannot be acquired through in-
struction; but the nicety and propriety, and the choice and mixture of
ideas are not fortuitous, and are learned through knowledge and experi-
ence. ‘These ate the principal accomplishments that distinguish a master
from a student, and that a great number of composers stli lack. Everyone
an learn the rules of composition and the principles of harmony, even.
without applying much time to thett. Counterpoint may retain its
invariable rules as long as music exists: the hieety, propriety, coherence,
order, and mixture of ideas, on the other hand, require new rules in almost
every piece. Thus those who have recourse to plagiarism often miss their
mark; for it is easy to perorive whether their ideas are all the original
inventions of the same mind, or whether they are simply.put together in a
‘mechanical way.
Sis
In former times composition was not so little esteemed as at present,
but there were then fewer bunglers encountered than nowadays. Our
elders did not believe that composition could be Jearned without instrue-
tion. They considered it necessary to know thorough-bass, but did not
think it sufficient by itself for learning composition. There were only a few
who occupied themselves with composition, and those who undertook
it endeavoured to learn it thoroughly. Today almost anyone who knows
how to play an instrument passably pretends at the same time to have
Jearned composition, In consequence so many monstrosities come into the
world that it would be no surprise if musie were to decline rather than
"Thelast three words of ht senteace at ound ony in the rene te. a Introduction. Of the Qualities Required of
progress. For if learned and experienced composers gradually disappear;
if modern composers tely entirely upon natural ability, as many do at pre-
sent, and consider learning the rules of composition superfluous or even
harmful to good taste and good melody; and if the operatic style, although
good in itself, is abused, and interspersed in pieces where it docs not
belong, so that church and instrumental compositions are adapted to it
and everything must smack of operatic arias, as already happens in Italy,
‘we may justifiably fear that music may gradually lose its former splendour,
‘and that the art may finally suffer the same fate among the Germans, and
among other peoples, as that suffered by other lost arts. In former times
the Italians always said, in favour of the Germans, that even if they di
‘not possess much taste, they at least understood the rules of composition
more thoroughly than their neighbours. Should not the German nation,
in which good taste in the arts spreads from day to day, strive to avoid a
reproach which eventually might be made against it ifits young composers,
neglect instruction and diligent inquiry, and place an absolute trust in
pure natural ability? Should it not endeavour to preserve the laudable
‘qualities of its ancestors? Only if exceptional natural ability is supported
by thorough instruction, by industry, pains, and inquiry; only in this,
fashion, I repeat, can a special degree of excellence be achieved.
$36
None must imagine, however, that I demand that every piece must be
‘composed in accordance with the rigid rules of double counterpoint, that
is, in accordance with the rules that prescribe how to adjust the parts so
that they ate inverted, exchanged, and transposed in an harmonious
manner. This would be a reprehensible kind of pedantry. I maintain only
that it is the duty of every composer to know such rules; that he should
seek to use these attifices only at places where good melody permits, so
that no rupture is felt either in the beauty of the melody of in its good
ceffect;! and that the listeners should perceive no laborious industry, but
nature alone shining forth everywhere. The word counterpoint usually
makes a disagreeable impression upon the majority of those who propose
to follow only their innate ability; they consider it bookish pedantry.
"The reason is that they know only the name, and not the nature of the
subject and its benefits. Had they acquired only a little understanding of
it, the word would sound less frightful, I do not wish to play the part of
panegyrist for all kinds of double counterpoint, although each, employed
ina certain manner and at a suitable time, may have its uses. I cannot,
however, refrain from rendeting justice to counterpoint allottava, and
strongly recommending exact knowledge of it as an indispensable matter
for every young composer, since this form of counterpoint is not only
1 Aumabn (of), Here and st several other points inthe text Autnahne seems to be i
print of Asfeahme,
Those Who Would Dedicate Themselves to Music 3
most necessary in fugues and other artful piccés," but is also of excellent
service in many galanf imitations and exchanges of parts. Ie is true that
earlier composers occupied themselves too much with musical axtifices,
and pushed their use so far that they almost neglected the most essential
part of music, that which is intended to move and please. But should
counterpoint be blamed if the contrapuntists do not know how to make
proper use if it, or if they abuse it? Should counterpoint be blamed if
amateurs do not have a taste for it because of their lack of understanding?
1 it not a point common to all sciences, including counterpoint, that
without knowledge of them we may also find no pleasure in them? Who
can say, for example, whether he would ever have acquired a taste for
trigonometry or algebta, if he had learned nothing about them? I is with
knowledge and insight that esteem and love for a subject grow. Distin-
guished persons do not always have their childeen instructed in many of
the sciences with the object that they make a profession of them, but rather
that they may have enough insight into them to be able to discuss them
when the occasion requires. If, then, all teachers of music were at the same
time connoisseurs of it; if they knew how to impart proper notions of
artful music to theix pupils; if they had their pupils play pieces chat are
skilfully worked out soon enough, and explained their contents to thems
then amateurs not only would gradually accustom themselves to music of
this kind, but would also acquire greater insight into music in general,
and find mote pleasure in it. In consequence, music would be more highly
‘esteemed than at present, and true musicians would earn more thanks for
thei labours. Since, however, the majority of amateurs only learn music
mechanically, these benefits are suppreséed; and since-we lack both good
masters and willing students, the state of muisie.remains very imperfect
Sx
If you were to ask what the true object of inquiry and reflection should
be, my answet would be as follows. Ifa young composer has thoroughly
learned the rules of harmony (as already stated, the slightest and easiest
part of composition, though many lack knowledge of them),? he must
strive to hit upon a good choice and mixture of ideas from beginning to
‘end in accordance with the purpose of each picce. He must express the
different passions of the soul properly. He must preserve a flowing melody,
and be fresh and yet natural in progression,* and correct in mettics;$ he
etree,
‘essential pare of the structure. ee
“PLES ayant mse a nyt Oo
9 ‘Teanlator's parentheses,
ST pete eet pn pty ete por
ie Ci eet aay ane i en eu ig
TIBS Gog inten teemetntyme gene ae,
Se heres 4 Introduction. Of the Qualities Required of
limit his inventions to a
commit no abuses with to cacsuzas and the
deas, and write comfortably fos both voices and instru-
ments. He must wuite ia confosmity with the length of the syllables and
the sense of the words in vocal music, and acquire a satisfactory knot
ledge both of singing methods and of the qualities of each instrument. A
singer of an instrumentalist must endeavour to make himself complete
is sment, must leatn to know the proportions of
the notes, become truly secure in holding the tempo and in reading the
Jean hasmony thoroughly an put into practice all the
cvlars sequized to achieve good executios
repetition of
gx
He who wishes to distinguish himself in music must not begin the
study of it too late. If he sets about it at an age when his energies are no
longer vigorous, or when his throat or fingers are no Jonger flexible, and
thus cannot acquire sufficient facility to perform the shakes, the little
refined embellishments or propreit,! and the passage-work roundly and
distinetly, he will not go very far.
Sx
Furthermore, a musician must not occupy himself with too many other
things. Almost every science requires the whole man. My meaning here,
however, is by no means thet it is impossible to excel in more than one
science atthe same time, but that this requires a quite extraordinary talent,
of « kind that nature seldom produces. Many people make this mistake.
Some want to leatn’everything, and, because of the changeability of their
temperaments, turn from one matter to another, now to this or that
instrument, now to composition, then to something other than musics
and because of theiz inconstancy, they learn nothing thoroughly. Some
who devote themselves to one of the higher sciences begin by treating
‘music as an avocation for many years. They cannot devote to music the
time that it requires, and have neither the opportunity nor the means to
retain a good master, or to heat good things, Frequently they have learned
9 more than to seid nots, and to humbug thei tenes with rome
difficult things poorly executed and in poor taste; and if by chance they
Se og ony ced adn ror ai yes
and to seceive some applause, their lack of knowledge deludes them into
thinking that, because of their other skills, they mesit preference over
‘other musicians who, though not trained at universities, really know
+ Prop, The German term iss dies borrowing feom French, td i on of sever
synonyms for he enti practa decibel in Cups Vil. The French tlt o>
Sates the word almen in thi entence, but uses props nal ther eases. Relea ex
‘hed foc grass or psage-work which moved by sep ater thas by Isp,
Those Who Wonld Dedicate Themselves to Music 2
more about music, Some practise emsic simply because they aged live
hood, without heving the slightest pleasure in it. Others have learne
music in their youth more through their own practice than through cor-
rect principles, and in later years are ashamed to receive instruction, or
believe they have no further need of it. Disliking correction, they prefer
to win praise disguised as ‘amateurs’, They! are forced to turn to music
because fate has denied them success through their other skills; but just
as they were formerly only half scholars, they now remain only half
musicians, because of the time lost in applying themselves to other
sciences. Theis talent, which was insufficient for other fields of endeavous,
is still less adequare for music, and their prejudice and conceit make
them unwilling to endure any correction from others. He who does not
possess sufficient natural gifts for academic study probably has even fewer
gifts for music. Yet if someone who gives himself to academic studies has
sufficient talent for music, and devotes just as much industry to it as to the
former, he not only has an advantage over other musicians, but also can
be of greater service to music in general thaa others, as can be demon-
strated with many examples. Whoever is aware of how much influence
‘mathematics and the other related sciences, such as philosophy, poetry,
and oratory, have upon music, will have to Own not only that muisic has a
greater compass than many imagine, but also that the evident lack of
knowledge about the above-mentioned sciences among the majority of
Professional musicians is a great obstacle to their further advancement,
and the reason why music has not yet been brought to a more perfect
state. This seems inevitable, since those who have a command of theory
are seldom strong in practice, and those who excel in prictice can seldom
pistend to be masters of theory, In these circumstances is it possible to
bring music to some degree of perfection? To do so, serious counsel must
‘be given to young people who dedicate themselves to music that they en-
deavour not to remaia strangers at least to those sciences mentioned
shove, and some foreign languages besides, even if time does not permit
them to engage in all academic studies, And for those who propose to
make composition their goal, a thorough knowledge of acting will not be
unserviceable.
$20
My last counsel for someone who wishes to excel in music is to control
his vanity, and to hold it in check, Immoderate and uncontrolled vanity is
very harmful ia general, since it can easily cloud the mind and obstruct
trac anderstanding, It is equally harmful in music, and becomes increas-
ingly so the more it steals in, It finds greater nourishment in music than in
other professions, in which one does not, as in music, allow oneself to
be taken in and inflated by a mete bravo. How many disorders has it not
already caused ia music? In the beginning we usually please ourselves
"French text: ‘Sel otber. 6 Introdaction, Of the Qualities Reguivrd of
cif pea double a pas
ssion, Thea we allow 0:
praise, and come to take it for a merit
swish to tolerste any contradiction, any admonition or cortectios
1e something of this sort from necessity, of
intent, the rash fellow is immediately considered an enemy. Some persons
with very litte knowledge frequently Aatter themselves that they know
a great deal, and seek to elevate themselves above those from wham they
i learn, Indeed, from jealousy, envy, and malice, they even go £0
pretended knowledge is carefully in-
many eases nd to be nothing but quackery:
these persons have memorized a few technical terms from theoretical
‘writings, of they are able to talk about musical artifices alittle, but do not
know how to produce them. In this fashion, it is true, they may gain some
authority among the ignorant, but they also run the risk of making
themselves ridiculous among connoisseurs, since they resemble those
artisans who know how to name theit tools, but use them poorly. Some
persons who are in a position to discourse at length about an art or
science ate in point of fact more embarrassed in practice than others who
do not brag half as much, And if one has finally succeeded through good
instruction in meriting some applause, he immediately counts himself
among the multitude of virtuosi, and belicves that he has already reached
the first step of Parnassus. In consequence he is ashamed to xeceive further
instruction, or holds it unnecessary. He quits his master at the most
favourable time, in the flower of growth. He does not seek to profit from.
the judgement of experienced persons, but prefers to remain in ignorance
rather than to condescend a little and take lessons again, And even if he
deigas to consult somebody else about any of his doubts, it is more often
done with a view to hearing praise than to hearing the teuth. ‘This per-
verted vanity causes untold harm. Suffice it to say that vanity produces =
false satisfaction, and that itis one of the greatest obstacles to growth in
music.
Sa
Before concluding I must set right those who have the mistaken notion
that playing the flute is harmfal to the chest or lungs. Far from being
harmful, it is, on the contrary, salutary and beneficial. It expands and
strengthens the chest. Were it necessary, I could show by means of
‘examples that some young people who were very short of wind, and
scarcely capable of playing two measutes in a single breath, succeeded in
1 few yeas in achieving the capacity to play more than twenty measures
in the same breath. It can only be concluded that blowing upon the flute
is as litle harmful to the lungs as riding, fencing, dancing, and runsing,
“The player must merely not overdo it, and must neither play too soon aftcr
‘mealtime, nor take a cold drink immediately after playing, when his lungs
Those Who Would Dedicate Themselves to Music a7
are still highly stimwbred, None will deny thet the trampet requires
stronger lungs and far more physical power than the fute, Neverthclece
experience shows that people who occupy themselves with the trumpet for
the most pat ataina very great age, From my youth I erember a young
fellow of very weak physical constitution who became a trumpeter, and
who not only practised his instrument very diligently, but also became
quite good on it: He is not only still alive, but vigorous and in good
health. Although itis undeniable thatthe practice of the Bute or the trumpet
requires as healthy a body as the athletic pursuits previously mentioned,
it will aot, of cousse, cure anyone who already has consumption, not
should it be recommended for that purpose. I have already stated above
that in general, regardless of the instrument a musician wishes to play, he
rust have perfectly healthy body and nota weak or sickly one, and that
he mus also have 4 lively and vigorous si, sine both most work
* Quane again may be refering to hime, nv his etie yeas
principal instruments. See Nettl, Fergoirer Musicians, p. eee eee Fig 16
(os ncmtomsesommneans TA
CHAPTER I
Short History and Description of the
Transverse Flute
ua
will not waste time heze with fabulous and uncertain tales of the origin of
flutes that are held crossways before the mouth. Since we have no ab-
solutely certain information about the matter, itis immaterial whether the
Phrygian King Midas* or someone else is supposed to have invented them.
Likewise, I cannot determine whether the invention was frst suggested by
a draught of wind stiking a hollow branch of an elder-bush, broken off
at the top, in which rot had made a little opening in the side, or whether it
‘was due to some other circumstance.
Sz
{ts beyond all doubt, however, that in Occidental lands the Germans
were the first to revive, ifnot to establish, the basic principles of the trans
verse flute as well as of many other wind instruments. Thus the English
call che instrament the Geroran flute, and the French designate it Je fate
elleeante (Soe Principes de la flte travericre, ot-de Ia flute allemande, par
Mr. Hottelere le Romain)
§3
Michael Praetorius, in his Theatrum instrumestorum, published in Wolfen
buttel in 1620,! when none of the present keys were used, calls this flute the
£ J.G, Walther, Musialtce Lexikon (Leipeig: Wolfgang Deer, 1732), p. 248, sates chat
« [ncenton ofthe transverse Ate is aeibuted to King Midas in Poiydorus Verilon,
1a intrarrotet§.
* Hower’ Prins was the fst and the mottpopulie, ttor designed specially for
see te Tees peated in Peance in 1707, and was transite into English a 739.
pomerouselition for over half a centuey in bath countries, Quants's vemin of
is not quite ascarste. The ele of the Gt cation isa followe: Prager ela te
6 fate lee, dk fate ae, 04 fae nc, hoes, dives ar tee
Pare en Hittite Romain, ordre dla rine du ry. A Bains ehex Cheanape Balch
‘The srovation ofthe txnsvezse Me with the Gertins can be tnced back at
‘be fitecthcenany. In 14g the Duke af Este mentions a specal fl smc vost
Germany, See €. Sachs, Hordweh der Masitinrtrmrrtovbate (Lelpig: Qrchkont fe Haste
‘se, p, 505. For faster information on the hitory of the taneverse fate ree 8 Beioes,
Woudviad Metraant and Hr story, sed el (Londons: Faber and Faber 967) pp. 75,
HK, 339-49, 290-
ane Plate loner of Peters i a volume of ition fot the second 30 Short History and Description of the Transverse Flute
used today,
“Thus the structure of the transverse flute was formerly not the same as
itis now. Since the key indispensable for the semitone D sharp was lack-
ing,? one could not play in all tonalities upon it. I myself possess one of
this kind, fashioned in Germany about sixty years ago, which is a fourth
lower than ordinary flutes, The French, by the addition of a key, were the
first to make the instrament more serviceable than it had been previously
among the Germans,
Ss
‘The exact time when this improvement was made, and who its originator
‘was, cannot be fixed with certainty, although I have spared no pains to
discover reliable answers. In all probability the improvement was made
less than 2 century ago; it was, no doubt, undertaken in France at the
same time that the shawm* was developed into the oboe, and the bom-
bard? into the bassoon.
56
Ta France the frst to distinguish himself and to make himself celebrated
and popular upon the improved transverse flute was Philiber,$ well known
as a result of his singular experiences. After him came /a Barre? and Hotte-
serre le Romain8 They were followed by Buffardin? and Blavet,'° who greatly
excelled their predecessors in the practice of the instrument.
olome of the Slama Msicwn, etiled De Orgemarphie (Welfenbatel: Helin, 1619)
Thetenrrens Quant mention oe found depicted ps. 9 snd in pate of the Teena,
° Die Quo (Flee roe).
3 Dis Sih Fa de Sui
durp and © fa vere detingained in both theory and peactice at sis ume, The
iejoy of cighteenvceniry fates had only one ey, and tis was called the D sharp Hey.
“Theadtinnn cf tis hey gave the fates fll eovomatc sale sthough some ches ad 0 be
Coneied trough sdlstnest of the enbouchare
hang (Ch)
| Rector? (Bomba.
4 Piltere RebIIE Gf. 1667-2717). Philibert was involved in murder, was imprisoned,
seid later pardoned, For details about his lie ae JG. Prodhommey Bry ae msicnr
@ ede France, 199), . 244
7 Michel de Ia Bare. 1675-1743/)- an incerstng let
‘quent sxement ia tis and the preceding parsgapb,
Pease.
= jucs Hotteterre (dit le Romain) (1674-1763).
* Bite Gabel Boigeda (2 tope-768h Baten was the pina fae ployer in
ree ding Cunt younger dys nite only teacher whom Quant ackv ge
Tie stad ofthe tranvere fre See Net, Forgten Binaonyp. 2
Michel lover (fos). lve’ wat the ott eee fe playc f ie dy in France
‘Quant became segstted with hr ring his vit to Pare in 1726-7, and pies Py
ins stobrgraphy Se Net, Farin Mutiny. 31
‘of dela Bare, which confers
found in Prod'hiomme, For,
Short History ond Description of the Transverse Flute 52
87
Although the French musicians just emmerated were the first to play
the instrument well and with some understanding of its peculiarities, the
Germans reacquired it about ffty o: sixty years ago in its improved form,
that is, with a single key. The patticular approbation and the great inclina.
tion which the Germans have always cherished for wind instruments have
snow made the transverse flute as common in Germany as it is in France.
§8
Ass yet the ute had only one key. When I gradually learned to under-
stand the peculiarities of the instrument, however, I found that there
remained a slight impurity in certain tones, which could be remedied only
by the addition of a second key. I added this second key in the year 1726.*
And in this fashion the transverse flute illustrated in Tab. 1, Fig. 1, came
into being.!
“Lexplain the reasons for this second key more fully in § 8 of Chapter II
So
In eatlies times the transverse flute consisted of only a single piece, like
the Swiss pipe still used today, or the co called soldiers’ cxoss-pipey:
although it was an octave lower than the latter. But when in France the
single key was added, to make the flute 2s well as other instraments more
serviceable for music, it not only received a better exterior form, but was
also, for the sake of greater convenience, divided into three parts, namely
a head piece in which the mouth hole was found, a middle piece with six
holes, and a foot piece on which the key was found: If the same pitch
had prevailed everywhere, these three pieces would have sufficed.) About
thicty years ago, however, the flute was supplied with several interchange-
able middle pieces, necessitated by the fact that the pitch to which we tune
is so vatied that a different tuning or prevailing pitch has been introduced
rot only in every country, but in almost every province and city, while
even at the very same place the harpsichord is tuned high at one time, low
at another, by carcless tuners. Accordingly, the long middle piece with
six holes was divided into two parts, to make the flute more convenient to
» Wor Quant’ ilestation, see Chapter 11, § 4. A more detiled and clears illuezttion off
‘Quant’ eetrument i prented here a Plate Hy, produced fromthe Raw de lenis, Yl
i of Didctots Payvipiie, where it was uted to dustate an article on Quartet uses is
vel i (772) of the Sopplinont. A traeltion ofthis interesting article i found in E Fall
Denay, *A French Comroearary on Quant, Matic Latte, navi (1956) p. 61-66. Quant
fnteced strcusly into the business of making futes in 1939. See Net, Fargriny theo
postr, -
° Die Qurnhite ie Fit,
2 Por further Information on the various pitches used in Quant’s day, see Chapter XVII,
Section VI, §§ 6-7. 38 Short History and Deseription of the Trensverce Flute
corey ahont in one's pocket:! and to take the place of one of
makes its pitch respee-
nt till could not be tuned
piece often being too low, the other too high, the upper
picce, had to be pulled out a little from the head Pies Since Ea
ince hetween these middle pieces was still too great, however,
the mle poche to be dra out fortber than te ste of the
Aute permitted, making it false, means were finally found to add still more
adler, ch deg fom ene noe yao more than comm,
or the ninth part of a whole tone, Six pieces now form an interval
a litte larger than @ major semitone, which the construction of the flute
permits with no detriment to true intonation; and if it is necessary, two
more middle pieces can be added.
§r0
Jn the head pice of the fate, between the cap and the mouth hole,
a cock pug is foued which may be pushed in or pulled cut a wil ‘Thi
Plugs indispensable the fue, and produce the wry etme oft us tha
‘made in the violin by the sound-post, that is, the little piece of wood stand-
ing upright beneath the bridge. ‘The latter makes the tone either good of
bad, depending upon whether itis correctly or incorrectly placed; and the
former, if pressed in too deeply or drawn out too far, is obstructive not
only to good tone, but to true intonation in general.
gn
When the fute is shortened or lengthened with the middle pieces, the
true intonation of its octaves will be lost if the plug always remains in the
same position. It must be drawn further back from the mouth hole for
each shorter middle piece, and must be rested in closer to the mouth hole
for each longer piece. To manage this more conveniently, a screw must
be attached to the plug and the cap; with ic the plug can be more casily
pushed in ot pelled out?
§x
To determine whether the plug stands at the correct place, test the low
‘Dé against the middle and highest D, If these two octaves are true, it is
1 Th tn oft midpiece at at oxy abo 179, sc
ws ee epee es
Yi as fd cpa fae ten etn TY Bane
Tniers wtlooes he non ote man eg ene ke Ba AS
‘+> text of Mahaut’s work appears in parallel Dutch and French colurnns.
"Foasritontipataetbnseccceetig wifigell
1 Folac tone Gua fcon pak degen oe ner ga
Short History and Description of the Transvere Plate 54
correctly placed. But ifthe highest D is too high, aud ehierefore the low
‘one too deep, draw the plug back until they ate true, fon the other hand
the highest D is toa low, and the low one too high, press the plug further
in until the intonation of both octaves is true.
S33
‘When pulling out the middle pieces,* you must be careful not to go too
fat, or C’* and the shake upon it, as well as that upon C sharp, will become
too harsh. Thus, as already stated above, the middle pieces must differ
from one another by no more than a comma, or the intervening empty
space must be filed out with a ring as thick as the tenon. Only the broad
end of the middle piece which goes into the head piece may be pulled out.
Hf the narrow end, or the one next to the foot, were pulled out, the in.
tonation of the entire flute would be upset, since the increased distance
between the holes makes the resulting tones higher.
S14
Not very long ago an invention appeared by virtue of which the foot can
be made longer or shorter by dividing it into ewo parts which, like » pin
se, can be pulled apatt about « half-inch and pushed together again.+
The joint is placed below the holes upon which the keys Le." Te purpose
is supposed to be to make the foot a little shorter for each shorter mabe
piece, so that with the help of six middle pieces the ute might be eaised
or lowered by a whole tone. Ifit stood the test, the invention would have
{& value. But since only the D becomes higher asa esult of shortening the
foot, while the intonation ofthe following notes, such as D sharp, E, £,G,
&c., remains unchanged for the most part and does not rise with the D in
the proper proportion, it follows that the flute does indeed become a whole
note higher, but also that it becomes completely false, with the exception
of the notes produced with the holes} of the fist piece. For these reasons,
and for those cited in the previous paragraph, this invention must be 10.
jected as most harmful and detrimental. It serves no other purpose than
‘emake it possible for somebody with chiftiness in mind to manage upon
1 By he French text the word ‘pha i substrate for ‘middle pieces’
2 jets should probably read C, wless Quanez intended «aot produced stall with
{ig gubesshere The normal owes ate onthe tansvere feat ths une nD" See Coors
MGs.
so aes, Niaow mane, p. 2 ako asctibes the invention ofthe divided foot pice vo
‘uicn, and defends its use. J. G. Trot, in hie Ausfoblchr and rntiser Gach se
[ics aes (Lelprig: A, F. Bohme, 1791), pp. 23-24, alto defends the wre ofa divided oon
he cals a Reis. For those iterated in che history and seractte of te fone,
chapter of Tromlites work provides a valuable and detailed supplement te ag
of Quant.
1 ae seen gsi 8 water dan Lahm wore Klappen lg. (Om sire dbo a dese
* The preceding four words occur in the Franch text,
tse plese rn. 34 Short History and Deseription of the Transorrse Flute
ts
ed Bute what would otherwise
th one. But anyone who wanted
vention would mun the risk of greatly offending the ear:
reveals that he neither understands the proportions
possesses a good musical ear.
flutes, that is,
¢ oF this ine
nd its originator
the notes, nor
Sis
Shortening and lengthening of this kind could be better introduced in
the head piece than in the foot, that is, by dividing the head piece into two
parts, and anaking the tenon of the lower past a litle longer than that of
the middle past, By inserting this tenon into the upper part of the head,
the head cag be made shorter of loager i i
tion, and the advantage sought for in vain through the aforementioned
invention can be obtained with ease, I have tested this myself, and have
found it trustworthy.
§36
“About thirty years ago some persons tried to add yet another note,
namely C,? to the low register of the flute. To this end they lengthened the
foot as much as was sequired for 2 whole tone, and, in order to have the
sharp, added another key. Since this seems to have been detrimental
to the true intonation of the flute as well as its tone, the pretended im-
provement was not widely wccepied aud dinappesred.?
§x7
Besides the usual transverse flutes, there are various other less usta!
kinds, both larger and smaller in size. There ate low Quartfbter, flaes
damon, Vittle Quartfliten, &c. "The first type is a fourth, the second a
‘minor third lower than the ordinary flute, while the third type is a fourth
higher. Of these, the fies d’amonr ate still the best, At present, however,
none approaches the regular transverse flute in trueness and beauty of
tone. But if anyone wishes to practise upon one of these uncommon flutes,
he has only to imagine a different clef for the notes; he then can manage
+ everything else as upon the regular transverse flute,
§x8
Flutes are fashioned out of different kinds of hard wood, such as box-
‘wood, ebony, kingwood, lignum sanctum, granadilla, &c. Boxwood is the
most common and durtble wood for flutes. Ebony, however, produces the
+ Foran lluttnton of thie ming lide, see Plate 1, Fig. 16, Quantz claims itasbis invention
in bis sobiogmrhy. See Net, Forgrten Musrion,p. 3x6, Teomlits, Unere, pp. 15-22,
‘frongly oppose its se.
*°C is meant
2 A fate of this type is illustrated with a pier and Bngering chart in J.P. B.C. Majers
= Maron ose thertin ratings (Scbwibiach Halls G. Me Majer, 1752, B38.
Short History and Description of the Transverst Flite 53
clearest and most beautiful tone.’ Anyone whe wis take the
ofthe Are ha ata tor yone who wishes to make the
‘some have tried.
tone
disagreeable can have it eased with brass, as
Sr9
‘Since harmful moisture forms in the flute when it is blown, it ust
frequently and cart clened witha mg acacbed 1 4 Tide atch And
1 moisture is not ehsorbed by the wood, it must
occasionally with oil of almonds. 7 ereeeeee
* See Corcte, Mth, p. 7 for farthe information on the matetals ued fot making Aste, CHAPTER II
Of Holding the Flute, and Placing
the Fingers
st
To explain myself clearly here, it will be necessary to give cach finger
a number, enzbling you to see without difficulty to which fingers I refer in
the engraving of the flute found in Table I.! I therefore designate the fore-
finger of the left hand 1, and the following two fingers 2 and 3; the litle
finger of this hand is not used. The forefinger of the xight hand I mack 4,
the following two fingers 5 and 6. The numbers 7 and 8 are reserved for
the little finger of the right hand. When marked 7 it touches the little key,
and when designated 8 i touches the bent key. Henceforth, when dealing
‘with fingering (
