How appropriate that such a wonderful player of the early flute should write such a wonderful book about it. This is a truly practical guide. The section on the development of the flute gives examples of how well known players of the day coped with and improved their instruments, together with sections on buying an instrument and taking care of it. The other sections (technique, style and case studies of particular pieces) are centred entirely on how to play. This book is extremely easy to read and had me fascinated just reading the preface. It doesn't matter whether you are an expert, a novice or just plain cynical about the whole business - this book is for you.
This handbook for flautists addresses all who wish to consider the issues raised when performing music of the past, and experiment with them on old or new instruments. Its aim is to provide an authoritative and practical guide with evidence drawn from a variety of primary sources directly and indirectly associated with the flute. The author provides sound advice on instruments and their care, historical techniques, stylistic issues and historically informed interpretation, with examples drawn from a wide range of case studies, including Bach, Handel, Mozart and Brahms.
Appendix A: Flute treatises and tutors in chronological order
Appendix B: Fingering charts
