Non Concert Pitched Instruments

[Lawrence Reeves]

I agree with Stephen about an Eb flute being much easier to play, however there are a few things to consider. Many of the antique flutes I have owned and played over the years were very difficult to maintain pitch at A 440. If I did get the tuning slide pulled out enough to be in concert pitch, the instrument was out of tune with it's self. this has to do with the overall sounding length vs tone hole placement. Now, on the other hand the same flute pushed all the way and blown with a good force can play very well in modern pitched Eb. I have owned a Rudall and Rose from the mid 1800's and also a Keith Prowse that gave me these results. With a fiddle tuned up, or down as case may be, the player would ever so slightly adjust finger positions to correct for temperament. I too have enjoyed many sessions in Ireland in Eb. During the Fleadh Cheoil in Clonmel 1994, there was a rocking Eb session that lasted into the morning. I have enjoyed flat pitch ( C or Bb) much more in recent years, however few and far between. The C# session that Stephen mentions would be lovely to hear. I know a few sets of uilleann pipes that sound heavenly in that tuning. I almost fell that the overtone structure is much more evident when playing lower pitch. I could be off on that, but to my ear flat pitch is better. I prefer playing Bb/F on concertina, and C on whistle. Flute, I mostly play concert pitch,but sometimes ( once a month our session) in C.