When I refer to the middle C, I mean the note on the first ledger line below the staff (treble clef, of course).
The book "The Technique of Orchestration" by Kennan and Grantham, in its instrument range list, indicates this note in "the limit of extreme possible range" for the flute, suggesting to me that for a non-professional player it is not an easy note to play.
From the postings last July
Do you remember struggling with low C?
I get the impression that the note is somewhat difficult for a beginner but not too hard for an advanced, non-professional, player.
I would appreciate comments from flute players.
In a trio which I have been composing, there is a fast sequence of notes in the first flute octave as follows: Bb G E C.
I would appreciate an idea on how hard is such a sequence to play.
I'll leave it to the others with more experience to give a full answer, but since you mention my question here is a comment.
I would say that the sequence is neither easy nor extremely difficult. I assume players who have passed the beginner phase could play it. If it's easy to play at the speed and/or volume you intend it to be played is a different matter.
Low notes are usually difficult to play loud on a flute. At least for me. I have learnt to play the middle c now, which wasn't that hard with some practise and helpful comments here, but would not really manage it very fast or forte.
If you are composing for flute but don't have much experience of it, I would suggest that you find a flutist and let they play a few different versions and comment on it. The you would get a better feel for how it actually could sound like, and get some more specific comments. It could even be that it's something completely different in your score that unexpectedly turns out be a hinder.
I would say that playing the middle C is not a difficult thing but rather, going from an "E" to middle "c" is a slightly tricky fingering. But it can certainly be done.
I consider it quite difficult. Possibly the most diffiuclt of all in the flute. But it could just be my personal experience.
Anyway, when starting to learn the instrument, my teacher would not expose the student to this note before several months has elapsed. She follows Trevor Wye's books 1 and 2 for the first two years of lessons.
I find there are two main difficulties:
- Not an easy note to sound properly until you have developed your embouchure and learnt to manage the mouth cavity and related to adapt to these lower notes
- The fingering is tricky, as you have to aim blindly to the roller, more if you have a B foot with two rollers.
Of course it can be done but *lots* of practise are required until you master it.
No problem for a player taught to have a good embouchure, who is past the early beginner stage, and is in practice, and slurring from a note not too far away, such as E.
However tonguing a low C, loud and well, needs quite a bit of skill.
Fingering is not a problem from E if it is a slow passage, especially if the flute does not have the extra hassle of a low B roller to avoid. And no problem in a fast passage from E, because for a fast passage there is no need to have the little finger down for E.
Eb to C... Now that's a different story.
However all this assumes a reasonable quality flute, and that it is adjusted well so there are no leaks, which are close to fatal for low C.
So, many variables to consider. Do it!
(One established composer whose music I played, scored a low C# to D# trill! Silly man, showing his ignorance.
?There is at least one book available for composers/arrangers, which itemises the relevant issues of concern for each orchestral instrument. Very helpful for a composer who does not want to show his ignorance.
It's not easy or hard -- it's just awkward, especially when descending interval. Just make sure you blow up into the wall for the note to come out easier (since you're descending).
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