1 - The flute and its character

Summary

How the flute came by its external structure in former times, and how it is constructed now, will no doubt already be known to most people. Formerly it was in one piece: but since this type was not only inconvenient, but also useless as regards raising or lowering the pitch, it was divided into three parts: a head-joint, a middle joint in which were six holes, and the foot. This was a step in the right direction: it was easier to carry it around, and to tune it by making several longer or shorter six-holed middle joints. But in respect of building technique, it was still very inferior, and it would not have been possible to develop it further if the six-holed middle piece had been left intact. So it was necessary to divide the middle piece once more, and that is how the present kind of flute originated. The reasons why it was thus divided will be found below.

Now the actual reasons why it was divided are not just to do with tuning, or still less convenience of transportation, for the latter is the least significant. Although perhaps this may have been the only intention at the time, a far more important reason for it can be given. In any case, whether the flute was divided by accident or design, such is its nature that the way it is divided nowadays cannot be changed without disadvantage, unless one is to have to throw away the instrument after a short period of use.