Alto flute
The alto flute is a flute that plays a fourth (half an octave) lower than the regular flute. It is longer than the regular flute. Sometimes alto flutes have a bent part at the top end.
 An Alto flute | |
| Classification | Woodwind |
|---|---|
| Playing range | |
The alto flute is a transposing instrument. This makes it easy for someone who plays the flute to play on the alto flute. The fingering for the note C on the flute will give a G on the alto flute.
The alto flute is not very often used, and only in very large orchestras. Maurice Ravel wrote a beautiful tune for alto flute in Daphnis et Chloé. Igor Stravinsky used one in The Rite of Spring. In The Planets by Gustav Holst there is a passage with three flutes and alto flute playing 4 part harmony.
The alto flute must not be confused with a bass flute which is even bigger and lower.
Alto Flute Media
Alto flute with curved head.
Alto flute with straight head.
Other websites
Media related to Alto flutes at Wikimedia Commons
