Alto and Bass Flutes

The alto flute is quite a bit bigger than the concert flute having a wider bore, so produces sounds at a lower pitch.

It’s a transposing instrument which means when a player reads the note C, what actually sounds is a G, an interval of a perfect 4th lower.

Known for its mellow and rich sound, the alto flute isn’t that commonly used in classical music, but 20th-century composers such as Stravinsky and Ravel wrote several pieces to feature it.

The bass flute in C, which is pitched an octave lower than the concert flute.

Besides the considerably larger size, another noticeable difference is its U-shaped head joint, which helps to facilitate a comfortable playing position.

You’re unlikely to see it often played, although it’s used in flute choirs and chamber music.