On Playing the Flute

by johann-joachim-quantz, Johann Joachim Quantz

Music master to Frederick the Great, Quantz was one of the great flute virtuosos of all time. He was also a thorough musician, a fine teacher and an excellent writer. This classic book is ostensibly a flute method, but it goes far beyond that, presenting a complete and detailed picture of musical taste and performance practice in the 18th century. Of special significance is a table relating various tempos to the speed of the pulse, helping modern musicians to solve the difficult question of authentic performance tempos of Baroque music. This reissued edition includes all Quantz's music examples together with an introduction and explanatory notes by the translator, Edward R. Reilly.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction

453 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1985

Reviews

[Journey · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The beginner must seek to listen to as many good and generally approved compositions as possible …In this way, the beginner will be able to imitate the good things they hear … and benefit from them.”

This is the method for playing the transverse flute everyone who is serious about playing reads, although I found that I had a better understanding after I had been playing for some time. It covers every detail of playing and practice, breathing, phrasing, fingering, articulation, ornamentation and beyond, to “the duties of those who accompany” the flute player. I have had this book for probably 20 years. As a reference, one never really finishes reading a book like this. There is always something further to look up to gain a better understanding or a different perception when reading again.

January 30, 1697 is Quantz' birth date. To commemorate, I am listening to his flute concertos and flute sonatas and I am playing his flute duets, of which there are not enough.

[Sabina M · Rating 5 out of 5]

quite technical, but worth a read if you're in the field! Wasn't a very easy read for me though, but nonetheless very interesting!

[Fel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting look into baroque flutes, accepted interpretation and ornaments of the time, and standards for professional musicians in a variety of contexts.

Absolutely worth reading if you're heavy into baroque period music.

[Nino Bos · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true classic and must read for every early musician. I would skip so stuff which is not relevant for you as a player

[Carlo Mayer]

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