A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Bass Flute

BASS FLUTE. There were in former times four forms of the flute à bec or flageolet, the lowest being the bass flute, and the others respectively tenor, alto, and descant flutes. These are now all but disused. A bass flute still exists, though it is rarely heard, and is not written for by any composer of eminence. Its compass is from

upwards. In older forms of the Bass-flute, to bring the mouthpiece within reach of the finger holes the tube was bent, and returned upon itself, as in the Bassoon; but as made by Boehm it resembles an ordinary flute of large size—32 inches long, and one inch diameter. The Bass-flute requires a great deal of breath, and the tone is not strong, but it is of very fine quality.

[ W. H. S. ]