Let’s talk about the different sounds the two instruments can make. The difference between an alto flute and a C flute lies in how each is shaped, a function of its hollow tones. Let’s look at the different parts of a flute, too, including the weight and Footjoint. We shall also discuss the transposing differences and price range of these flutes.
Differences between a C flute and an alto flute
| C Flute | Alto Flute | |
| Size | Smaller and shorter | Larger and longer |
| Pitch | Standard concert pitch (C4) | Lower pitch than C Flute (G3) |
| Range | From middle C (C4) to about 3 octaves higher | From G3 to about 2 octaves higher |
| Sound | Bright and piercing | Mellow and more resonant |
| Usage | Most commonly used in orchestral and band music | Often used in flute ensembles and for solo repertoire |
| Transposition | Plays at concert pitch (no transposition) | Sounds a fourth below written pitch (transposed in G) |
The main differences between a C flute and an alto flute are in their size, pitch, range, and sound. The C flute is smaller and shorter than the alto flute, and plays at the standard concert pitch of C4. It has a brighter and more piercing sound than the alto flute. The range of the C flute is from middle C to about three octaves higher. It is most commonly used in orchestral and band music.
On the other hand, the alto flute is larger and longer than the C flute, and produces a lower pitch than the C flute, sounding in G3. It has a mellow and more resonant sound than the C flute. The range of the alto flute is from G3 to about two octaves higher. It is often used in flute ensembles and for solo repertoire. The alto flute is also transposed, sounding a fourth below the written pitch and is transposed in G.
Hollow tones
The hollow tones on the C flute and alto flute are the result of a series of processes. The first of these steps is the creation of a flute sound. This tone can be produced by varying the amount of metal used in the flute. A flute with more than one key will produce a higher-pitched sound. A flute that has no tone holes can produce an audible buzzing sound. If the key is too hard, the tone may sound harsh.
The next step is to find a player for the instrument. Many orchestral players don’t own an alto flute, and that is why many of the flutes played by modern musicians don’t come with them. If you have no idea who to contact, check with the player you’re considering. If the player isn’t available, it’s best to specify in your commissioning contract that the ensemble rents the instrument for the performance of the piece.
The height of the notehead indicates the note to be played. Changing the height of the notehead will give you a clearer indication of the note you’re playing. Most composers will include a page of notes with instructions for this purpose. Some writers will simply write in the score what they’d like to hear. In any case, remember to alternate between flute and wind sounds. Remember that air can only be used for the first octave (B-d#) of a piece.
As you can see, the hollow tones on the C flute and alto flute are distinct. While it’s not as popular as other instruments, the alto flute is becoming increasingly popular in contemporary pieces. In fact, the alto flute has been used in video games as well! If you’re considering learning to play the C flute, you should invest in a book written by Trevor Wye. You’ll get an excellent overview on this instrument.
Transposition
When arranging a piece of music for a C flute and an alto flute, transposition is an important step. Transposition requires adding the appropriate accidentals to the note. First, the note must be transposed up a semitone. Then, the transposed note may require sharpening or a natural. The final result is the same note in the original key but with one flat.
When transposing a piece written for a C flute needs to be adjusted to the alto flute, it is best to learn it on the standard concert flute first, and work on fingering techniques to become proficient on a larger instrument. There are resources for both instruments available online. For example, Chris Potter has compiled a list of resources for alto flute students. However, the Techie Flutist offers additional resources, including transposition worksheets, video lessons, and even online courses.
For orchestral works, a transposition between a flute and an alto is possible by writing the euphonium in B-flat on the bass clef. Nowadays, this is not a recommended practice. In fact, it may not be possible to transpose the instrument into the alto clef unless the composer specifically requests it. In these cases, a professional model will be able to play concert B-flat below the bass staff.
An alto flute has a slightly lower range than the standard C flute and is usually the second highest instrument in the family. The alto’s lower range makes it difficult for smaller players to play. For this reason, composers often consult with flutists when composing pieces for the alto flute. In addition, multiphonic fingerings and key clicks may differ between performers, so if a composer is writing for alto flute players, he or she should consult with them before composing.
Weight
The weight of an alto flute is a lot heavier than that of a C flute. However, the two instruments are similar in many ways, including the range of pitch. They are pitched the same, with a range starting at G, a fourth below the middle C. These instruments are made of metals and alloys. While they have the same keyings, they differ in air management, hand position, and alignment.
The biggest difference in weight between a C flute and an alto flute is in the key layout. The left-hand key layout is more comfortable on an alto flute. However, it can be difficult to perform split E notes with a C flute without a mechanism. If you have short arms, a C flute with a straight headjoint might not be a good choice for you. In addition, musicians are prone to repetitive stress injuries and have to position their hands off-center to play an alto flute.
The size of an alto flute is half that of a standard flute. It is about 50 inches long, while an alto flute can be 60 inches long. As the flute is a large instrument, the composers have attempted to incorporate the weight and length of this instrument in their compositions. A typical model has a U-bend on the head joint and vertical finger holes. This makes playing the alto flute difficult and may require a specialized technique.
The main difference in weight between a flute and an alto flute is that the alto flute is heavier than a concert flute. This difference is primarily due to the fact that the alto flute is made of heavier metal than a concert flute. Because of this, players may become fatigued faster if they do not have the proper energy to sustain the extra weight of the instrument. However, the weight difference between a flute and an alto flute is less of an issue than many people assume.
Footjoint
A footjoint between an alto flute and a flute can be added to either instrument to extend its range. The addition of the extra B key adds about one inch to the length of the footjoint. Players with smaller hands can line up the rod of the footjoint with the center of the D key. A post on the center section of the alto flute may hinder the position of the D# key.
The headjoint of a bass flute is set higher than the center section of the alto flute. This allows the alto player to extend his arms to reach the right-hand keys. In contrast, a flute with a curved head joint has the head joint set parallel to the center section. The head joint also tends to make the chin play a more prominent role in supporting the instrument’s weight.
The riser connects the body joint tubing to the headjoint. The shape of the headjoint and the shape of the embouchure hole directly affect the sound of the instrument. A rounded headjoint produces a tight, controlled sound while a squared headjoint produces a slack sound. The lip plate and riser are usually made of gold, silver, or platinum. The headjoint is connected to the body joint with a screw.
When playing the alto flute, the player blows into the mouth hole of the headjoint. The lower portion of the mouth covers the tone hole and uses the upper lip to blow downward. The air column is created by the player blowing across the opening. This air column will determine the pitch of the sound. The upper part of the lips is used to articulate the notes. The lower lip can be used to make more articulations.
Key
A flute and an alto flute are both members of the same family of instruments, but the differences are subtle. The alto flute is slightly shorter and has a longer tube than a standard C flute. While the range of the C flute is from C4 to C7, the alto range starts almost where it ends. This makes the alto flute ideal for extending your arrangements into lower note territory.
To find out which flute is best for you, visit a music store. Alternatively, contact a music store and request a free in-home demo. Make sure you use the same exercises and music as you would with a standard concert flute, and write down your impressions of the two instruments. Then, consider different models and see which ones appeal to you the most. If you have a favorite alto flute, consider investing in one of these high-quality instruments.
The modern standard alto flute has undergone only slight changes since Boehm’s time. Its key connection rods are now located on the same side of the flute body. There are many types of flutes available, with silver and nickel silver being the most common. Different makers use different bores and key configurations, so tone quality and response can vary significantly. Fortunately, many Yamaha flutes have excellent quality and are available at a reasonable price.
Despite the size of the instrument, both types of instruments have distinctive characteristics. The alto flute has a thicker wall and is therefore less commonly used than the piccolo. While the former is rare, the latter is becoming more common and is growing in repertoire as the genre grows. While the alto flute is less commonly used than the piccolo, it is often a part of most flute choir pieces.
