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!



<Added>

Sorry === I hit the "post" button twice. (Me and my fat fingers).

"I like Jean Baxtresser just as much as Galway, Tracy Harris, Rhonda Larson, etc. And I'm certain other members feel the same."

Well I'm not quite sure why you'd believe that othr's here wouold, feel the same way.

Actually, some flutists become relatively specialized in their fields. Some aren't solo recording artists and some are primarily doing movie soundtracks.

Jim Walker
Sheridan Stokes
Perhaps one reason why you don't see a lot of agreement on Dwyer as being a "favorite" because she specialized in Symphony playing. While Galway is out there strutting his stuff on a concert stage playing whatever he pleases (and rather excellently I might add) Dwyer had to drag out that William Tell or the Daphnes and Chloe for the umteenth time and play it perfectly >yet again< for the masses. Where Galway is playing the grand solo in operatic style with great pomp, 'vvibbrrrato' and projection, Dwyer had to blend, match and follow the desires of the conductor. Two different admirable challenges.

Ian Anderson, on the other hand was basically self-taught (without even a fingering chart apparently) rock/jazz and his prime competition was from the likes of Bobby Plant and Eric Clapton. He did fairly well with bringing the flute into his music with that in mind in a time when flute was rather rare in the pop/rock scene.

Today, I'm listening to A. Nicolet playing the Bach sonatas. They are very good recordings.

I think that we are lucky in this time to have so many fine flutists to appreciate. The quality is definately improving.

Dear Bilbo:

Thank you for reply. I would like to point something out, that you said:

"Well I'm not quite sure why you'd believe that othr's here wouold, feel the same way."

"I think that we are lucky in this time to have so many fine flutists to appreciate. The quality is definately improving.||||"

These statements appear to be almost contradictory --- and, yes, I do believe that "other members" here feel the same way. Some members are "hung-up" on a particular flutist --- while others (such as I) enjoy hearing the differences.

To set the record straight on Mrs Dwyer: yes, she was primarily a symphony flutist --- but she did give recitals, was a professor at the New England Conservatory, and did author recordings, including "Music Minus One".

I think she's my favorite for three reasons: she was the first "principal" to break the gender-barrier (early 50s'); secondly, IF one likes Jean Baxtresser, then you can't help but like Mrs Dwyer; thirdly, she has the most projection I've ever heard from any flutist. To quote the New York Times: "Where other flutists are 'lost' in the orchestra, Mrs Dwyer can be heard above all others.". I grew up in Boston, attended BSO concerts --- and agree.

I realize that Galway is the "superstar" of flutists ---- the only issue I take with his playing is that, no matter what he plays, it sounds the same. Pahud, on the other hand, tailors his playing according to just that which the composer would want to hear: heavy vibrato, narrow vibrato, no vibrato --- and the use of the "French" tone.

Finally, every flutist, including the many talented members of this forum brings his or her "own" voice to the arena. I think that's what I like most about the flute: individuality.

I hope, at some point in time, that we can "agree to agree" on "somthing"? Whatever that may be.

Regards, Jim

Well Jim, Let's see...
"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."

I'm never certain that any other members feel the same as I about any aspect of flute playing, study of flutists or their instruments. I guess that I try not to speak for other members.

That being said, I didn't agree with you in that I appreciate many other flutists such as some of the ones that you've mentioned on this forum and some of the ones that have never been mentioned here. I'm sure that there are several people on this forum who would most certainly agree with you and I on that point (or not). ;-)

Bilbo:

I never meant to speak for you, nor for other members regarding their "favorite" flutist.

I was looking for opinions, and I got them.

I just wanted to see if there was, indeed, a "common favorite". A lot of replies seem to point to Ian Anderson.

I've never heard him play, so I can't comment.

I was really surprised that the choice wasn't Galway.

But, as I've said many times before --- each flutist brings a different voice to his or her playing --- and (any given person) likes or doesn't like, his or her playing. It's a matter of taste --- and each has his or her own choice.

It's SO indvidual --- and, again, that's what I like most about the flute.

This would have to have been a very difficult post for anyone to respond to ---- but a lot of members have, which surprised me.

In closing, I hope I never positioned Mrs Dwyer as being "the best" flutist of all time --- she's just my favorite, for reasons I listed before.

However, in a moment of honesty --- I do like to "change" once in awhile and listen to Galway, Rampal, Pahud, Tracy Harris, and on and on. A little "variety" now and then?

Regards, Jim

Jim,
here's some Ian Anderson for you

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCy8-o-mBdU

Not the best sound on youtube!

Thanks, flashman --- appreciate the link!

Best regards, Jim

Jim,
"I was really surprised that the choice wasn't Galway."

I admire his playing. Very technically correct-generally.

On the other hand, I think that if we are to become good listeners and players, we need to take in a broad spectrum of fluting.

As for favorites, I think that it depends upon our experiences. We tend to become biased with them as to who we believe are great players. Maybe some choices were based upon personal contact as in a person's teacher or someone that they met at a fl. fest or such.

So my favorite player is the one that I'm listening to as long as they are playing good. My definition of good playing , "Does the person that is performing make me want to practice?" In other words, do they inspire me.

Thank you, Bilbo --- you hit the nail on the head, and said it better than I could have.

Appreciate your feed-back.

Best regards, Jim

I dont think thet I like only one, I have lots of fav.