Altfluit

Altfluit, or alto flute, is a woodwind instrument in the flute family. It is pitched in G and sounds a fourth lower than written, making it a transposing instrument. Its tone is often described as darker and mellower than the standard C flute, with a fuller lower register.

Construction and design commonly feature a larger body and bore than the C flute, which contributes to its characteristic rich timbre. Many alto flutes have a curved headjoint to improve ergonomic playing position, and most models include a foot joint that extends the instrument’s written range, allowing access to lower notes.

Notation and range: Music for the alto flute is written a fourth higher than the sounding pitch. The instrument generally covers about two and a half octaves, with comfortable use in the mid to upper register and a usable lower range that supports lyrical lines and coloristic effects. Fingerings are largely the same as those of the C flute, with occasional alternative fingerings to accommodate its extended range and phrasing.

Use and repertoire: The alto flute is common in orchestras, wind ensembles, and chamber groups, valued for its warm color and ability to sustain long, expressive phrases. It appears in contemporary and modern works that exploit its lower range, and there is a growing solo and chamber repertoire that highlights its distinct voice.

Summary: The alto flute expands the upper woodwind family with a lower, velvety timbre, offering unique color in ensemble and solo settings while requiring adjustments in embouchure, air support, and transposed notation.