The magic of the flute
The flute plays an important role in musical culture around the world. From the Ice Age, to the Middle Ages, right up until today, it hasn't lost its appeal.
Ancient tradition
The flute is one of the oldest musical instruments in history and plays a key role in many cultures. From the Ice Ages, through the Middle Ages, up until today, it hasn't lost its appeal.
Frozen melody
Long ago during the Ice Age, a hunter accidently left his flute in a cave near Blaubeuren in the Swabian Alps. The flute, carved from a vulture’s wing bone, was able to create a few simple tones. Today, his instrument is regarded as the earliest historical evidence of music.
Learning the recorder
It can be heard at school, at birthday parties, and around the Christmas tree. Many German children still learn to play the recorder. The instrument had its peak during the Baroque period, inspiring composers like Händel and Bach to write enduring masterpieces.
Pied Piper of Hamlin
A flute plays the lead role in the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, in which it enabled a stranger to rid the entire town of rats. The animals followed the sound of his flute until they drowned. When locals refused to pay him for his service, he let the sounds of his flute ring out again, this time leading the children of the city to their deaths.
Vitamin-rich harmonies
Everything on offer at the local market can be found in the Vienna Vegetable Orchestra. From African pieces, to classical and even experimental music, the musical spectrum is covered using a horseradish and the ‘Gurkophone.’ The performance would not be complete without a solo number from a musician playing a flute made from a carrot. After being used in the concert, the vegetables are cooked up.
Unrequited love
The pan flute is not only common in the Andes, but also a popular instrument in southeastern Europe. It gets its name from the Greek god of the wild. According to legend, Pan wanted to marry a nymph, but she refused. He then turned her into a reed, out of which he carved a flute, so that he would always have her by his side.
Herding with flutes
The Peul clan tend cattle south of the Sahara. When the animals go astray, the herdsmen lure them back with the sounds of the flute which can be heard from great distances. “Unfortunately very few people master the Peul flute, because without a mouth piece it is difficult to learn,” says Nigerian Yacouba Moumouni a master Peul flautist.
Divine instrument
In Indian mythology, the flute is the instrument of the god Krishna. “When he played, hearts beat stronger with rapturous joy. Whoever heard his music paid no attention to the nectars of heaven,” say the Hindi scriptures. Even today, the flute is the most important instrument in the country. Those who trust Krishna’s flute will not be harmed by snakes, some believe.
The Andean sound
Historically, the indigenous Andean quena flute was usually made of bamboo, but could also be made of human bones and feathers of the mighty condor. It was an integral part of everyday life. They were played in festivals and weddings, and acompanied warriors going into battle. Today, the quena is a vital part of South American ensembles. Who hasn’t heard of the tune “El condor pasa”?