Flutter tonguing

Definition

Flutter tonguing is a technique used in wind instrument playing where the performer produces a rapid, fluttering sound by alternately articulating with the tongue while maintaining a steady airflow. This unique technique adds texture and expressiveness to music, often employed in contemporary compositions and performance practices to create special effects or enhance the overall sound.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Flutter tonguing is commonly used in various wind instruments such as flute, clarinet, and saxophone to produce an effect similar to rapid vibrato.
2. This technique requires precise control of both airflow and tongue motion, making it a challenging skill for musicians to master.
3. In orchestral music, flutter tonguing can be used to evoke specific moods or atmospheres, often found in modern or contemporary repertoire.
4. Composers like Igor Stravinsky and Edgard Varèse have included flutter tonguing in their works, showcasing its versatility and unique sonic qualities.
5. Flutter tonguing can be notated in sheet music by using the term 'flutter tongue' or with specific symbols that indicate the desired effect.

Review Questions

• How does flutter tonguing differ from traditional articulation techniques in wind instruments?
  • Flutter tonguing differs from traditional articulation techniques because it combines the action of the tongue with continuous airflow to create a rapid fluttering sound. While traditional articulation may involve clear attacks on each note using various tongue placements (like staccato or legato), flutter tonguing creates a more fluid sound that resembles vibrato but with a distinct rhythmic quality. This technique expands the expressive capabilities of wind instruments, allowing for new textures and dynamics in performance.
• Discuss how flutter tonguing contributes to the overall texture and expressiveness of contemporary music compositions.
  • Flutter tonguing contributes significantly to the texture and expressiveness of contemporary music by adding an element of unpredictability and complexity to the sound. It can create tension and release within a piece, as its rapid fluctuations contrast with sustained pitches or rhythmic patterns. Composers often use flutter tonguing to evoke specific emotional responses or to highlight particular sections within their works, enriching the overall sonic landscape and engaging listeners in a unique auditory experience.
• Evaluate the role of flutter tonguing in expanding the vocabulary of wind instruments within modern orchestration.
  • Flutter tonguing plays a crucial role in expanding the vocabulary of wind instruments within modern orchestration by introducing unconventional techniques that challenge traditional playing methods. This technique allows composers to explore new soundscapes, enhancing instrumental color and depth. By incorporating flutter tonguing into their works, composers like Stravinsky and Varèse push boundaries and encourage performers to embrace innovative approaches, ultimately transforming how wind instruments are perceived and utilized in orchestral settings.

Related terms

Tremolo: A technique involving the rapid repetition of a single note or the alternation between two notes to create a wavering sound.

Multiphonics: A technique that allows players to produce multiple pitches simultaneously on a single instrument, creating a complex sound texture.

Articulation: The way notes are played or sung, including techniques like staccato, legato, and accents that affect the character and clarity of musical phrases.