I did check for previous posts, to make sure that this post is not redundant. I found nothing.

Regarding the "so-called" "French tone" --- a lot of flutists have adopted the French tone to add coloring to their playing.

For a marvelous example of the use of the French tone, listen to Jeanne Baxtressers lovely interpretation of the:
"Prelude a l'apres-midi d'un faune".

You can find and listen to the audio clip at:
flutecorner.com > famous flutists > Jeanne Baxtresser > Discography > A collection of my favorites > music sample.

The French tone adds another idiom to your playing. I use it (more often than I should) --- but find that it adds remarkable "spice" to my playing that would not otherwise be there.

The flute is, ordinarly played with a "sharp -- edgy tone, whereas the French tone sounds more muted and, if you will, imparts an almost "blowing over a bottle" sound.

Very appropriate, when used responsibly. Particulaly helpful when a passage is repeated: the first,using the edgy tone, the second using the French tone.

In order to accomplish the French tone, I "show" more of my bottom lip, somewhat extend my lower jaw --- and get the effect I'm looking for.

You might want to try it to add more color ("salt and pepper") to your playing.

From Chicago, with love: Jean

You might want to try it to add more color ("salt and pepper") to your playing.

honestly, i prefer a little hot sauce.

Any serious player should work to learn many different "tone colors" to their toolbox of expression. The "french tone" is great, as is the edgy tone, but these should be used appropriately, and should not be the only options open to us as musicians. We have an instrument that is capable of innumerable different sounds, and should explore different types of "color." Even if we don't particularly like a given color, there are probably going to be instances where it fits the music and could be very useful.

I like jalapenos myself if we are going to talk pepper! I don't need any salt, as I am already the salt of

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the earth...hehe

Tone/colors... I think that some flutists have way too much time on their hands. I play certain passages to my liking, I am not thinking about tones and colors constantly. I am not a robot, I use my own style. So many young flutists are sounding more and more the same only because they are taught to play only one style. They all use that HUGE edgy sound. I just don't get why some flutists have to over analyze everything. Play from your heart! Robots... they are all turning into robots! lol!!

*BEEP* *BEEP*

I will play the song andante when it says andante *BEEP* and I will play it good. *BEEP* I will use only the proper sound *BEEP* and I will play as instructed as my programming tells me. *BEEP* BEEP*

*BEEP*

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*BEEP*

I've never heard of naming tones before. Personaly I don't think it's a good idea, because then someone going to try all of them at the same time and it'll only end up sounding like a mesh.

The terms 'lyrical', 'sweet', or 'soothing' all mean different things to different people. So what qualifies a "french tone"? Sound can't really be discribed. You could try as hard as you can to explain what 'sound' is to a deaf person, but they would never truly understand what it was unless they've heard it for themselves.

All tones are unique and it seems impossible to label hundreds/thousands of flute players with a particular tone.

I agree Penny, this whole thing about "French" tone might come from the fact that there is a tradition of great French teachers and composers and performers, but a sweet tone is just that, a sweet tone...