Vivaldi was the first composer to write specifically for the new transverse flute. He wrote thirteen concertos for flute and string orchestra. The idea of a concerto--today usually a piece for one solo instrument and orchestra--was very new in Vivaldi' s time. He did much to establish the three-movement pattern of the concerto that is still popular today.

Flute Concerto in G minor (La Notte), Op. 10, No. 2
(audio clip)

1. Largo - Presto (Fantasmi)
2. Presto
3. Largo (Il sonno)
4. Allegro

Performed by William Bennett (flute); English Chamber Orchestra directed by George Malcolm (harpsichord)
P1986+

The Flute

How the Flute Works

Wind instruments, like the flute, produce their sound from a vibrating column of air inside a hollow body. The player blows against the sharp edge of the mouthpiece, which interrupts the stream of air, setting up a series of vibrations that are modified and amplified by the instrument. Sound is produced when the vibrations reach the listener's ear.

The length of a tube (the body of the instrument) controls the pitch-- long tube will produce low notes, and a short tube high notes. Opening a finger hole will shorten the tube by allowing the air to escape earlier, and so the note will be higher. By opening the finger holes in preset patterns, a scale can be played. The player blows harder and adjusts the "embouchure"--the playing position of the lips--to reach notes at a higher octave.