Loading…
Loading…
Flutter-tonguing — a technique for wind instruments where the player rolls an "r" while playing, creating a growling, buzzing effect.
Flatterzunge (or flutter-tongue in English) creates a dramatic, buzzing tone on flute, trumpet, and other wind instruments. Use it for aggressive effects, exotic color, or moments of extreme intensity. Not all players can flutter-tongue equally well — it is easier on flute than on double reeds.
Strauss's "Don Quixote" — Flatterzunge in the wind section depicts the bleating of sheep in the famous variation.
Flatterzunge is one of 228 terms in the Gradus musical dictionary, where every definition is written around how composers actually use the word.
Browse the full dictionary →