I used to be a big fan about five years ago, but then broadened my horizons and started listening to other talent. I realized that there are just as many talented flutists as Galway, but not always well heard of. I like Galway as a person, is so a super sweet and funny man, but I don't care for the fact that he likes to play a lot of pieces as super high speed and also uses way too much vibrato for my liking. I prefer a shimmer of vibrato, kind of like the icing on the cake. I don't like my cake to be mostly icing, if you catch my drift.

I got ya. Too much icing is too sweet!!
Its good that you broadened your horizons too!

No, I'm not back. I'm just here to clean up "unfinished business" ---- this was, after all, my thread.

I do have to agree with Kara and Brandy. There is such a thing as too much vibrato.

It seems, as though with some players --- it's "all" or "nothing".

Jean Baxtresser has very heavy, wide vibrato --- much like Doriot Dywer's.

I think maybe players like William Kincaid and others hit the "middle" -- wherein just the right amount of vibrato is used.

I also think it depends upon the composition.? Some playing would sound very empty without any vibrato. Others call for it? Just an opinion --- (and just cleaning up.)

I'm actually a former member.

Jim

In continuation of my thread:

I would have to agree with Kara. I just listened to a wonderful clip by Rhonda Larson.

She uses just the right amount of vibrato--- and her playing is lovely.

You can hear her on http://www.flutecorner.com/famousflutists
>Rhonda Larson.

She's great!

Jim

you know, i dont want to be involved in a 2-way war here, but is it truly necessary to vote negatively against someone you dont like even when theyre saying something with merit?
it just seems to me like its very elementary.

you know, i dont want to be involved in a 2-way war here, but is it truly necessary to vote negatively against someone you dont like even when theyre saying something with merit? it just seems to me like its very elementary.

I agree completely with this!

I agree, but let's not start to start another war again okay

Sorry, I double typed. I meant to say, let's try not to start another war, okay

I now to agree with Kara.

After listening to Rhonda Larson, she is now among my favorite flutists === if not my favorite.

Thank you, Kara, for introducing me to a flutist I never knew existed.

Best: Jim

What was wrong with what he said?

You guys are the true problem here. Always being petty. YOU are what people talk about when they say that nothing has changed around here and also why they don't come participate.

Try growing up and acting like civilized adults.

My favorite flutist is Emmanuel Pahud.

I discovered Manuela Wiesler recently on itunes
I love itunes...
but her sound is so gorgeous to me

Jazz/Rock/Renaissance/Broke(Baroque)/New Age/just try to classify him. On flute - Ian Anderson. Da man can tute da flute!

Honorable Mention:
Harold McNair on the Sax and Flute - Jazz
Herbie Mann on Flute - Jazz
Jean Pierre Rampal on Flute - Classical
James Galway on Flute - Classical, Contemporary
Sylvia Boyd on Flute - Classical

Well, I've paid attention to everyones' response --- and I thank you.

It seems that Ian Anderson is the "best flutist", by vote.

I've not, quite frankly heard his playing. My parameters for "best flutist" belong to the qualities: tonal sonority, uniqueness, intonation, response, vibrato, et al.

So --- it looks as though I have to listen to clips from Ian Anderson.

I realize I'm "missing something" here --- but how can you dismiss Jean Baxtresser, William Kincaid (the "father" of American flutists), Julius Baker, etc., etc.?

I confess that I'm intrigued. What about Emmanuel Puhad? --- Rhonda Larson, Tracy Harris ---and on and on?

Anyway, I appreciate all the responses I've gotten regarding "your" favorite flutist of all time. I respect your opinions.

We all have individual "tastes" regarding just whom is the best flutist. As I've said in previous posts: "I don't think there is a more 'personal instrument' than the flute".

Known artists, as well as the many members of this forum, bring exactly just that which I like to hear: individuality.

Keep it up. Just be the best you can be. As Doriot Dwyer told me, many, many years ago: "just be the best you can be. Who cares about 'auditions'? Play as if you were playing for yourself --- play from your heart, and let your own voice come forth".

Continue your studies: practice, practice and practice. Your voice will be heard.

Best to all: Jim

Note, the question was not "Best fulutist of all time..." but "Favorite flutist of all time."

Skill-wise Anderson isn't very special. It's what he did and the time period that it happened that made such a big difference to many. Before him, other than a few pieces where flute was added as special filler like in Stairway to Heaven's intro, it was used as a lead instrument. In rock and metal, no less, which hadn't been done before.

Plus, he's a super funny and neat guy, which helps a lot. Self-taught as well, so the fact that he made a living doing what he liked without years of conservatories and teachers and so on also helps I think. IME, kind of how Soccer is liked so well, because you can connect to the players and they aren't superhuman by and large. As opposed to American Football, where it's more of a spectacle and harder for the average person to connect to vicariously.(as an example)

Best? That's a whole other discussion.

Yes, Pletko, I stand corrected. The post WAS "favorite" flutist --- not best.

As I reflect upon the post, it was really kind of ridiculous because even I have "a number of 'favourite' flutists. I like Jean Baxtresser just as much as Galway, Tracy Harris, Rhonda Larson, etc. And I'm certain other members feel the same.

As far as "best" goes--- that would be difficult, because when one is in a "lofty" position (such as previously mentioned artists) --- I really don't think there IS such a thing as "best". They're all technically proficient and accomplished.

Finally, IMO, IF there "is a best", I think history will record the late William Kincaid (The "Father of American Flutists") as the "best". Sticking my neck out, here --- but, again, just my opinion.

Thanks for your feed-back. It was appreciated!