The FRENCH tone, explained .....

Thanks to all of you who read my "French tone" post. Here is an addendum which might clear up the confusion:

I only brought up the "French tone" (as it is known and called) because I wanted to distinguish it from the "sharp, edgy" sound which we are "supposed" to play the flute in. I don't, personally believe that we're "supposed to play" the flute in ANY given way, regarding tone. That's as individual as the instrument, itself.

I would hate to live in a "flute world" where we are all clones, or we all sound like (name whomever).

I was trying to point out that there are many different ways to bring our own individual sound to the arena, and the use of the "French tone", is ONE of them. ONE, of many. This was for the benefit of those who were not aware of the (so-called) "French" tone, and HOW to accomplish it.

If, for example, you listen to some of Jeanne Baxtresser's recordings, you will hear her (often) use the (so-called) "French" tone. Yes, she uses "different" "colorings" in her sound, as well, but her "basic" style is the "traditional" sharp, edgy tone versus the (so-called) "French" tone". Listen to her --- you'll hear it. IF you have a "flute" ear --- you'll hear it.

The "French" tone is used to impart a "different voice" to the flute sound.

It is commonly used when passages are repeated --- the first, with the sharp-edgy sound, the second with the "muted" sound.

IT'S USE HAS BEEN ADOPTED BY MANY FLUTISTS, WORLDWIDE.

I did NOT suggest that THIS is the "only other option". There are OTHER ways to bring a sound to the flute --- many of those sounds, unique to you, as a flutist. Again, if you have a "flute" ear, you'll HEAR the difference.

Simply, for those whom were not aware, the (so-called) "French" tone MIGHT bring a different idiom to your playing repertoire --- and you might consider its use as an OPTION to an entire composition played, wherein ONLY the "sharp-edgy" tone is used. (Almost unheard of, today). I'll be glad to send you to a site where you can listen to clips performed by MANY flutists who DO use the (so-called) "French" tone.

Finally, you will notice that the word "French" is in quotes, for a purpose --- it is not clear that this was, indeed authored by a French National player.

However, it should be pointed out that Doriot Dwyer (an American) was the "first" to use the "French" tone in her playing (1952), and was well known for it. In fact, Jeanne Baxtresser emulates Mrs Dywer's use of the "French" tone. Again, it has been adopted by and widely used by many other flutists in the world. MY BEST GUESS, is that it would be hard to find a contemporary flutist of accomplishment who does NOT use the (so-called) "French" tone, in his or her playing.

Finally, as I have always said: "bring your OWN voice to the arena". I, personally, enjoy the differences in the sound that (the many) flutists play. Take the "French" tone --- or leave it. Play to your individual hearts.

So, play your OWN style of playing. Who said that you can't? In fact, I respect those who DO bring individuality to the playing of our wonderful instrument. So many personalities! And, so welcome.

So, continue to use the "sharp-edgy" tone that we're "supposed" to use --- or add a little color and drama to your playing by adopting the "French tone". AND, any other tone and style you can bring. IF it is NOT clear to you what the "French" tone sounds like, or HOW it is accomplished, I'll do two things: First, I'll direct you to a site where you can hear SEVERAL clips of many different flutists who DO use the "French" tone; Secondly, I'll tell you exactly HOW to accomplish it.

Is this FAIRLY SAID --- or what?

Hope this clears up the confusion.

Regards, Jean.

The FRENCH tone, explained .....

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