This space is designed specifically for young musicians to help clarify some ideas about learning to play the flute, though many of the concepts apply equally well to any instrument.
This section contains links to some of my favorite spots on YouTube... and some things to think about while you are enjoying them.
Handel's Cantate and Concerto
Orchestre Sinfonia Varsovia
Albrecht Mayer, cor anglais
Matthieu Gauci-Ancelin, flûte
1. "Qui l'augel da pianta in pianta" (extrait de Aci, Galatea e Polifemo) HWV 72
2. Adagio, E staccato (Concerto pour orgue en si bémol M, Opus 4/2) HWV 209
For American students the conducting may look a bit unexpected - notice how the "down" beat is actually conducted with an upwards motion. Listen to how that impacts the lightness and bouyancy of the sound that this wonderful ensemble makes. Though it is not a straight Baroque dance, this music, like much of the Baroque music, is certainly influenced by Baroque dance style, and this ensemble truly captures the lightness and elegance that this is intended of this style.
Also notice, particularly on the opening flute runs, how the technique is not mechanically even - the soloist takes some liberties within the pulse to breathe some life into the musical line. A wonderful performance to enjoy and emulate!
Rachel Brown
Rachel Brown is well known for her performances on period instrument Baroque flute. Spend some time on her recordings page to hear the nuances of sound and articulation that are characteristic of this old, wooden instrument. (Note - this link is to her website, not a YouTube page)
Jean-Pierre Rampal
Rampal was a legend in the modern flute world and luckily some of his performances linger here on YouTube. He truly paved the way for modern solo career flutists and his beauty of line and phrasing are nothing less than giftedness.
Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano, Claude Bolling
French composer Claude Bolling was so inspired by Rampal's sound that he wrote his Jazz Suite for Flute and Piano for him. This site contains several priceless videos of Rampal and Bolling performing various movements from that suite. The composition and performance are both very fun. I can't imagine how many times those men must have played that piece together!
Bach Sonata, BVW 1020
Nothing is better than hearing a master performer play Bach - ahhh!
The Muppet Show - Rampal had a fun side too, and visited The Muppet Show on numerous occasions.
Nina Perlove - REAL FLUTE
Nina has a great web project called REAL FLUTE, where she has made instructional and performance videos of and about flute playing and posted them on YouTube. She eloquently explains her reason for starting this project in the link above, and you can get to her other videos as well. I have nothing more to add, other than brava Nina!
Jean Ferrandis - O Sole Mio
A fun video, and some fabulous flute playing. Jean is one of my favorite flutists, not only for his technical prowess, but also for his fantastic personality, which comes across even when he is playing "more serious" music.
Tadeu Coelho
Tadeu's joyful personality shines through his playing - this is a recording of him playing Carnival of Venice variations.
Rhonda Larson
Rhonda is a wonderful flutist with a creative style and niche in the music world. I love the one from the Celtic Medieval Festival, and I wish we could have all of the variations of the Marais, but I'm grateful for the ones we got. You should listen to the Marais if you are wondering just how fast it is possible to multi-tongue :) Also, the Marais is a great close up view of Rhonda's playing - for my students, you can see a good example of the shallow breath technique in action on her staccato playing.
GeniFlute - Lullaby of Itsuki
I love this performance of a Japanese folk melody. I especially enjoy where the shakuhachi mirrors the voice - very nice supportive playing by Geni. As a student of silver flute, try in your practicing to make some of the sounds that you are hearing on shakuhachi - it will open the door to a world of colors that might never have dreamed of before. Why always sound the same?
We have VERY much to learn from other instrumentalists and musicians, so don't make the mistake of listening exclusively to flutists (even though there are so many wonderful ones out there to listen to).
Maxim Vengerov - Vengerov is one of, if not my favorite, violinist. Don't be snowed by just his technique in these videos - you will miss his incredble feel of the music, phrasing, breathing, and, one of his best assets, his wide range of tone colors.
Mozart Violin Concertos This interview will be some of the best 7 minutes you spend in your life. Vengerov has a wonderful outlook on music, life, learning, and sharing beauty with others. I admire and respect his playing largely because of his personal philosophies that are evident from his performing. He is not only an amazing virtuoso violinist, but also a generous person, which is ultimately why his playing is so loved by those who listen to him.
Csardas Yes, the notes go by really quickly - notice Vengerov's stance when he plays fast technique, very still and controlled, but still fluid and never forced. Also, can you tell he is having fun? Of course you can - that is what music is all about, regardless of the style you are playing. Don't forget to be awed by that amazing bass player too.
Beethoven with Rostropovich This interview is priceless - it gives you tremendous insight into how this master performer thinks. Notice how much reverence Vengerov has for Rostropovich and his continued openness to learning, even though he is considered a master violinist. You never stop being a student. Also notice that Vengerov has a very strong build, but when he plays the slow movement at the beginning of this video his entire body is as delicate looking as the sound he is producing. Music is something that you truly feel with your entire being - for us as flutists, it is not just fingers and air, but the entire body is involved.
Rastrelli Cello Quartet
The cello I think has an opposite beauty to flute in many ways with its depth and richness - it provides good goals for us to strive for. This particular group captures my ear because of their extraordinary contrasts and extreme sensitivity to each other and the music they are playing.
Straight No Chaser - 12 Days of Christmas
This one is just fun - and incredibly well sung. Enjoy, and appreciate how important the theatrics are to the success of their musical performance.
