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Despite the implication of this commonly used name, the Irish flute is not an instrument indigenous to Ireland.[1] It is in fact a derivative of the English transverse wooden flute of 19th century, which was later adopted into Irish traditional music. The simple system wooden flute is also popular in other "celtic" musical traditions, most notably the Scottish and Breton traditions.
These simple system flutes play a diatonic scale by successively uncovering the toneholes and are often made chromatic by the addition of metal keys. Simple system flutes were not made with traditional Irish flutists in mind, but were adapted by Irish musicians as the simple wooden flutes were discarded by concert musicians during the advent of the modern, Boehm system, Western concert flute in the late 1800s. These "obsolete" flutes were picked up at low cost by Irish traditional musicians.
Due to its wooden construction, characteristic embouchure and direct (keyless) fingering, the simple system flutes have a distinctly different sound from the Western concert flute. Compared with 'typical' classical flautists, most Irish flute players tend to strive for a more reedy sound. Though most commonly pitched in the key of D, simple system flutes are available pitched in other keys, and are often heard in Irish music pitched in E flat, B flat and C.
From the latter part of the 20th century, there were two main styles of Irish flute, the Pratten and the Rudall & Rose. The Pratten has wider bore dimensions and provides a louder sound, while the Rudall & Rose has a darker, pure tone and is slightly thinner than the Pratten style flute. Many of these original flutes had a footjoint that allowed the playing of both C# and C with the use of keys. Some modern makers forgo the addition of these keys, but maintain the longer footjoint with two holes where the keys would be, as it is thought to better emulate the pitching and tone of the 19th century originals.
Today, Irish flutes are being made expressly for the playing of Irish traditional music. They are now not only made from wood, but also Delrin, PVC and even metal - though wood is still by far the most popular material, and these modern Irish flutes can vary in the number of keys, or have no keys at all. Some of the best known modern flute makers include Michael Grinter, Marcus Hernon, Patrick Olwell, Sam Murray, and Hammy Hamilton.
References
- ^ The Essential Guide to Irish Flute and Tin Whistle by Grey Larsen
External links
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