Fiona M Simpson	9705782s@student.gla.ac.uk

In conclusion, I would say that although flute design and construction have a varied and distinctive history, there are two developments in particular which have contributed to the instrument we know today. The Baroque flute ensured that it recovered from its 17th century decline. Boehm's 19th century invention ensured its orchestral inclusion with the instruments it has rivalled on so many occasions. The repertoire has indeed altered with the flute, and as the flute became more popular the repertoire reflected this.

I think that Boehm's alterations made a huge impact on the popularity of the flute, and certainly appear to have prevented its downfall in the 19th century, as instruments such as the violin and piano became very popular. With the ever-increasing popularity of tuning the Western scale to equal temperament, Boehm's experiments on the acoustics and positioning of the keys in relation to their best acoustical quality certainly took place at the right time. It helped the instrument to become in tune with the rest of the orchestra at a time when it was beginning to be ignored. Therefore, I would say that while his invention does not seem to have made a huge impact on the way composers wrote for the flute, the fact that composers wanted to write for the instrument at all means that it made a huge difference to the history of the instrument. Without Boehm's "new" flute I doubt that the instrument would be included in today's orchestra.

It would be very useful to receive feedback about this project. All information submitted will be treated as confidential... or I may just broadcast it to the world. You never know.

Thankyou.

Contents | The Flute | Earliest Times | 17th Century | 18th Century | 19th Century | Boehm's Flute | 20th Century | Conclusion | Bibliography

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© Fiona M Simpson, April 2001