BELOW - music for large flutes
PETER SHERIDAN

A charming and rare recording of new chamber music showcasing the atmospheric sound of the lower members of the flute family. Low Flutes are mostly a 20th century invention, yet the concept of extending a particular instrumental sound dates back to the Renaissance period, when recorder consorts, with bass and alto recorders were used frequently in performances. In recent times, the popularity of low flutes grew with the renewed interest in the flute choir and flute quartet. Low flutes are basically members of the extended flute family, which play below the range of the standard orchestral C flute. These instruments include the alto flute in G (four notes below the C flute), the bass flute in C (one octave below C flute), the contrabass flute in C (two octaves below C flute, played in an upright standing position), and the sub-contra bass flute in C (three octaves below the C flute, played either sitting or standing). There are a few other low flutes not represented on this recording. These are the Pinschofon in C, bass flutes in F and G, and a extra large piped instrument known as the hyperbass flute. This unique recording features predominantly commissioned chamber music for low flutes that was composed to showcase the lyrical and colorful tonal qualities of these instruments, hence, expanding their small, yet growing repertoire.