Flauto

As Printed on a Score

Flauto (plural Flauti) labels the flute staff on the first system of Italian-language and many Classical scores, with Fl. on later systems; I., II. or a 2 tell the players on a shared staff who plays. A part may switch with “muta in Fl. picc.” and back with “muta in Fl. grande”. In Baroque scores Flauto alone usually means the recorder; the transverse flute is Flauto traverso or Traverso.

Abbreviations: Fl., Fl, Flaut., Fl. gr., Fl. grande

Also spelled: Flauti, Flauto grande, Flauto traverso, Traverso

How Composers Use It

Written at sounding pitch in treble clef, from middle C (B below it on instruments with a B foot) to about C three octaves higher. The low octave is soft and breathy and easily covered, the middle sings, and the top cuts through a full orchestra. Classical scores often use one or two flutes as the top of the wind choir, doubling the first violins an octave up. Leave the player places to breathe, and when two flutes share a staff, mark a 2 or 1. so no one has to guess.

Example

Mozart, Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550, first movement: the staff label “Flauto.” is singular, because the symphony uses a single flute.