The Renaissance Flute

The renaissance flute, with its rich history, stunning repertoire, and mellow tone, has attracted a significant following among flutists, whether they specialize in modern flute or historical instruments. Yet, actually delving into the study of renaissance flute has proven a challenge - there exists a confusing array of editions of renaissance music, specialized (and often expensive) facsimiles of manuscripts and early prints, and in unfamiliar notations, while at the same time there is a dearth of resources for beginners. Confronting this challenge with the first ever practitioners' handbook for renaissance flute, Kate Clark and Amanda Markwick offer flutists of all levels a clear and accessible introduction to the world and repertoire of the instrument. In The Renaissance Flute: A Contemporary Guide, Clark and Markwick cover all aspects, from practicalities such as buying and maintaining the instrument, to actual music for solo and group performance, to theory designed to improve the understanding and playing of renaissance polyphony. This approach enables students to immerse themselves at their own pace and build on their skills with each chapter. With nearly 40 full pages of exercises, and a companion website with recorded examples and filmed instructions from the authors, The Renaissance Flute provides professionals and newcomers alike a new entryway into the world and practice of renaissance music.

"The last four decades have seen a revival of interest in the renaissance transverse flute. The few collections of surviving original flutes from the sixteenth century have increasingly attracted musicologists, instrument makers, and players to examine, measure (and copy), perform and record on them. Renaissance flute workshops and summer courses attract students and amateur players in several corners of Europe every year. At the same time, renaissance manuscripts and early prints have increasingly become available on the internet, providing an ever-expanding supply of materials for flutists wanting to experience renaissance music for themselves. This handbook for renaissance flute players offers all the information needed to buy, maintain, and learn to play the renaissance flute, whether alone or in consort. It explains how to read and interpret renaissance music whether from original notation or in modern editions, how to make your own transcriptions, and how to write your own diminutions. It also introduces readers to the basics of renaissance music theory, in clear and simple language. At a time when the gap between the professional 'classical' music world and its public seems to have grown irrevocably, this book aims to demystify the business of making beautiful music together. It is a key to the elegant, cylindrical flute that was played all over Europe in the age of polyphony and to the gentle art of consort playing."--

An invaluable guide to the lesser-known renaissance flute. Its two authors are passionate advocates of their instrument and their love of the repertoire shines through. Informative, insightful and accessible, it will be a fantastic aid to many flutists! -- Milo Machover, Adjunct teacher of music before 1600 and renaissance flute at the University of Music (HfMDK) in Frankfurt, Germany

An eminently useful book for all lovers and students of Renaissance Flute, and, in general, Renaissance music! Solid and clearly-explained essential theoretical concepts support the invaluable hands-on advice and accumulated experience of many years' researching, teaching and performing. -- Dr. Barthold Kuijken, (formerly Royal Conservatories of Brussels and The Hague)

Kate Clark and Amanda Markwick have produced an invaluable guide and reference manual for the renaissance flute. The reader is invited to choose how much she wants to drill down into the details of modes, hexachords, difference tones, and alternative fingerings. In the main body of text there is enough detail to spark curiosity in the non-specialist musician. This book needs a place in the library of all music institutions as well as the bookshelves of avocational and professional flutists alike. -- Barbara Kallaur, Former Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music, Historical Performance Institute, Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University