The wide tone-holes adopted in the early 19th century, particularly in Britain, to increase the volume of sound are conspicuous on this instrument. Charles Nicholson (senior) experimented with large embouchure- and tone-holes to increase the volume of sound he produced. His son Charles (1795-1837), who became famous for his powerful tone and phenomenal technique, enlarged the holes still further, an idea which became very popular in England despite problems of intonation experienced by lesser players.

• Pictures
• Talk by the player
• The sound of the flute
• History
• Technical details

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Pictures

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Talk by the player

• about high-quality product (although of old-fashioned design at the time), long tuning-slide, etc.

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The sound of the flute

• Anon, `John Anderson, my Jo' arr. J. Townsend, from Volume 3, p. 148 A New Edition of Alexander's Selection of Beauties for the Flute, 8th edition, T.C. Bates, London (c 1840)

• Felix Mendelssohn (1809-47), excerpt from 1st movement from Violin Concerto (1844), bars 335-351

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History

• Maker: Rudall, Rose & Carte.
• Place: London.
• Date of making: 1852-3.
• Serial number: 6013.

Previous ownership: James W. McGregor.

Current ownership: On loan to the Collection.

EUCHMI Acquisition number: (509)

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Technical details

• English name: Flute.
• Nominal pitch: C.
• Type: 8 keys.
• Overall size: 655.
• Bore: conical.

Technical description: Cocus; 5 sections; german silver keys; 5 german silver ferrules plus decorated cap and ferrule at foot; metal-lined head; tuning-slide; oval embouchure-hole; large L2, R1, R2 finger-holes; cork-lapped tenons; interlocking foot keytouches; metal-lined sockets; thinned tenons.

• Keyhead type: Saltspoon, with pewter plugs and metal key-hole surrounds for low C/C#.
• Keymount type: Knob, with saddles.

Inscriptions: Stamped with crown and "RUDALL / ROSE & CARTE/ 100 NEW BOND ST / LONDON / 6013".

With case, having signed certification of makers within, and silver plate engraved "James W. McGregor / 1853" in script on lid. Plus grease pot, cleaning rod, and key to case.

Usable pitch: A₄ = c 461 Hz (screw out, head in).

Performance characteristics: Range: C₄ - C₇. Low C/C# speak with difficulty, otherwise plays well throughout range, with full tone.

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© Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments, 1999-2003, 2008.

This page updated: 23.11.08