The Simple Flute: From A to Z

by Michel Debost, Jeanne Debost-Roth (Illustrator)

Drawing from his highly praised French work, Une simple flute, distinguished flutist and teacher Michel Debost has compiled a useful and imaginative introduction to playing the flute. This alphabetically arranged compendium of advice and insight covers essential topics such as breathing, articulation, and tone, but also explores "jawboning," "finger phrasing," "the little devils," and other quirky and vexing aspects of flute playing. Full of practical advice on technique and axioms that lend moral support during tough practice sessions, The Simple Flute will be a welcome addition to any serious or novice flutist's library. In addition, the book includes original exercises such as "Debost's Scale Game," making it an excellent resource for flute teachers. Debost concludes each essay with "In a nutshell" and "Please refer to" boxes that make the book easy to browse, dog-ear, and return to again and again. Offering concise, common-sense solutions for flutists of all levels, this book
is an ideal reference guide on flute performance.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 24, 2001

Reviews

[Dan Graser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having seen this book recommended by Emmanuel Pahud among others I decided to give it a read and see if there was much that I could apply to my discipline as a saxophonist. The material is presented in A to Z format and deals with both highly flute-specific issues and general artistic notions about music and preparation. I wish there were a bit more of a latter to make this a bit more applicable to my work, however I still gained much from Debost's writing.

Michel Debost was one of the premiere flutists of his generation having won several competitions, performed in the Orchestras of Paris for decades, and taught at the Paris Conservatoire (succeeding Rampal) and also at the Oberlin Conservatory in the US.

Now, fair warning, this is written in a more old-fashioned, slightly dogmatic, and little-room-for-discussion format. You get used to this after a few headings and will likely be able to glean much, especially if you're a flutist, from his no-nonsense practical suggestions and also his highly philosophical approach. You likely will disagree with how some of these issues are framed (his attitude about "accompanists" and also the efficacy of warm-ups to name a couple) and you will also likely repeatedly want to instantly pick up your instrument and give some of these a try.

Even if you're not of this "school" of playing I think you will find enough here to make the read worthwhile, this is one that I will keep in the office for return readings as some of these issues come up in my own teaching, practicing, and performing.

[Kaleb Chesnic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

This book is Debost's (successful) attempt at making the flute less complicated than we perceive it. Every serious flutist should read this book and take what works for them from it!!

[Ruth Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will never be done with this book. There are so many facts, suggestions, ideas, critical performance notes that you will go back and re-read. It's an excellent book and a must-read for any serious flutist.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very practical.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished my first read, there is so much information in here I will be going back to it often.