Notation
Different words are used for this technique. Some call it whisper tones, some call it whistle tones or whistle sounds. Most composers just write the words Whistle Tones (or W.T.) in the score if they want you to use this technique.
Sometimes the pitch is given:
Sometimes the pitch is approximately:
If you should play whistle tones on a harmonic, the note which fingering you should use is written with a diamond shaped note.
Practise
Studying whistle tones / whisper tones on the flute is useful for:
– Embouchure control
– Precise, flexibel embouchure
– Good, steady breath control
Picc/alto/bass
This technique can be used on all flutes.
Composers
Level:
General: | Becomes more difficult: | |
This technique is quite easy to realize as a seperate technique when a random sound is required. |
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Notes:
- Whistle tones are based on the harmonic series.
- Whistle tones are most effective in the third register. Low whisper tones are not strong enough to be heard from a great distance.
Repertoire
Composer: | Title: | Album: | Publisher: | Other techniques: | |||
Berio, Luciano | 1925-2003 | Sequenza I | 1 | Flute solo | Universal Edition (UE 19957) |
Multiphonics, Harmonics, Keyclick, Flatterzunge | |
Holliger, Heinz | *1939 | (é)cri(t) | 3 | Flute solo | Schott (FTR 197) |
Harmonics, Flatterzunge | |
Holliger, Heinz | *1939 | Sonate (in)solit(air)e | 3 | Flute solo | Schott (FTR 175) |
Multiphonics, Harmonics, Sing & play, Glissando/tonebending, Slap tongue, Quartertones, Trumpet embouchure | |
Holliger, Heinz | *1939 | “(t)air(e)” | 3 | Flute solo | Ars Viva Verlag (AVV 133) | Windtones, Sing & play, Jetwhistle, Keyclick, Slap tongue, Quartertones | |
Offermans, Wil | *1957 | Honami | 1 | Flute solo | Zimmermann (ZM 30730) |
Multiphonics, bamboetones, Windtones, Sing & play, Flatterzunge | |
Offermans, Wil | *1957 | Studie no. 6: Whistle tones |
For the contemporary flutist | 3 | Flute solo | Zimmermann (ZM 29700) |
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Tisne, Antoine | Monodie IV Pour une Espace Sacré | 3 | Flute solo | Schott Freres (S.F. 9423) |
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Zoltan, Jeney | *1967 | Soliloquium No.1 | 3 | Flute solo | Editio Musica Budapest | Keyclick, Flatterzunge |
Books:
Author: | Title: | Publisher: | Other techniques: |
Dick, Robert | Tone Development Through Extended Techniques | Mutiple Breath Music Company | Multiphonics, Bamboetones, Harmonics, Sing & play |
Levine, Carin / Mitropoulos-Bott, Christina | The techniques of flute playing | Bärenreiter | Multiphonics, Harmonics, Windtones, Sing & play, Jetwhistle, Keyclick,Flatterzunge, Glissando/tonebending, Slap tongue, Trumpet embouchure |
Sound example
Here you can listen to a short example of Whistle tones. I’m playing Mei by Fukushima.