On Playing the Flute

by Johann Joachim Quantz, Edward R. Reilly (Translator)

Johann Joachim Quantz's On Playing Flute has long been recognized as one of the most significant and in-depth treatises on eighteenth-century musical thought, performance practice, and style. This classic text of Baroque music instruction goes far beyond an introduction to flute methods by offering a comprehensive program of studies that is equally applicable to other instruments and singers.

The work is comprised of three interrelated essays that examine the education of the solo musician, the art of accompaniment, and forms and style. Quantz provides detailed treatment of a wide range of subjects, including phrasing, ornamentation, accent, intensity, tuning, cadenzas, the role of the concertmaster, stage deportment, and techniques for playing dance movements. Of special interest is a table that relates various tempos to the speed of the pulse, which will help today's musicians solve the challenge of playing authentic performance tempos in Baroque music. This edition includes 224 musical examples from Quantz's original text and features a new introduction by translator Edward R. Reilly that considers recent scholarship on Quantz's significant role in eighteenth-century musical activity.

On Playing the Flute vividly conveys the constancy of musical life over time and remains a valuable guide for contemporary musicians.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction

423 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1985

Reviews

[Journey · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The beginner must seek to listen to as many good and generally approved compositions as possible …In this way, the beginner will be able to imitate the good things they hear … and benefit from them.”

This is the method for playing the transverse flute everyone who is serious about playing reads, although I found that I had a better understanding after I had been playing for some time. It covers every detail of playing and practice, breathing, phrasing, fingering, articulation, ornamentation and beyond, to “the duties of those who accompany” the flute player. I have had this book for probably 20 years. As a reference, one never really finishes reading a book like this. There is always something further to look up to gain a better understanding or a different perception when reading again.

January 30, 1697 is Quantz' birth date. To commemorate, I am listening to his flute concertos and flute sonatas and I am playing his flute duets, of which there are not enough.

[Sabina M · Rating 5 out of 5]

quite technical, but worth a read if you're in the field! Wasn't a very easy read for me though, but nonetheless very interesting!

[Fel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting look into baroque flutes, accepted interpretation and ornaments of the time, and standards for professional musicians in a variety of contexts.

Absolutely worth reading if you're heavy into baroque period music.

[Nino Bos · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true classic and must read for every early musician. I would skip so stuff which is not relevant for you as a player

[Carlo Mayer]

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