The Evolution of the Flute

1. The Evolution of the Flute Student Presentation

2. Neanderthal Flute Above: 43,ooo-82,ooo-year old Cave Bear bone flute with 4 holes.

3. Flute Construction • Bone • Reed • Ivory • Metal (for the Professional) Neanderthal Flute

4. Neanderthal Flute The flute was played by one person playing two flutes. The first flute was a drone; it only had one tone and was played while the other part of the flute played a melodic line. Neanderthal Flute

5. Neanderthal Flute The flute was played typically to accompany plays. It was also played in the temple and in ceremonial rites. A flute was also played at marriages and dinners. Most anyone had access to a flute since it was easily constructed. Neanderthal Flute

6. Neanderthal Flute For the exception of the drone, the flute and its music was mostly monophonic. The melodic line was simple. There is very little to no record or sample of the type of music that was played. Music was never written down during this time. Neanderthal Flute

7. Medieval Flute Made with fruit wood.

8. Medieval Flute The medieval flute was usually made of some type of fruit wood. Once in a while an ivory flute could be found. The medieval flute usually had two octaves with 6 holes and was mainly considered a novelty. Medieval Flute

9. Medieval Flute The medieval flute was used to accompany a dance, and a singer and background music to a recitation. The flute was also used for wedding music. Usually men played the medieval flute. Women were known to play the flute but only in the home. The music was usually monophonic. Medieval Flute

10. Renaissance Flute Usually made of some type of wood.

11. Renaissance Construction The renaissance flute was constructed of a type of wood with 6-holes and side-hole embrasure. It had a fife-like construction and a two-octave range. Many different flutes were created to bring about different ranges such as bass, tenor, alto and soprano. Renaissance Flute

12. Renaissance Flute The renaissance flute was used usually to blend well with other instruments and was often played with other flutes in a consort. It usually was a high timbre instrument although there were many types of flutes including bass flutes. Renaissance Flute

13. Renaissance Flute • Dance music • Arrangements of vocal music • Setting of existing melodies • Variations • Abstract instrumental works The music of the time was usually: Renaissance Flute