Abstract

This essay is primarily an investigation into the works Mozart wrote for the flute, tracing its emergence as a solo and orchestral instrument up until the late 18th century. A secondary theme is the question as to why Mozart wrote for the flute, when he showed an obvious dislike for it:

I am quite inhibited when I have to compose for an instrument which I cannot endure.

(Hyatt King, 1978, p.36)

To provide a historical context of the type of flute used in the 1770's, constructional developments and methods of performance from the 15th century up until the late 18th century are explored.

A study of the solo and orchestral flute repertoire, musical styles and popular culture portrays the social context surrounding the music, and illustrates how the flute gradually became a more prominent instrument in the 18th century.

Specific features from a selection of Mozart's flute music are explored, representing individual aspects which relate to the style and technique of the 18th century performer, in more detail.

The purpose of this essay is to aid the contemporary flautist in their interpretation and performance of Mozart's flute music, by giving a greater insight into the style, manner and historical and social context in which the music was written and played in the late 18th century.

Acknowledgments

The author wishes to acknowledge the support and encouragement given by Mr. Colin Drew during the writing of this essay, and to thank him for the unlimited use of his computing facilities.

Elizabeth Mooney
January 1998

Chapter I	Construction of the flute up until the 17th century Exploration of four significant Treatises detailing the Development of the flute, dating from 1511 - 1636 Investigation into the Developments which created the Baroque flute (the model Mozart used in his flute works) Illustrations of the various styles of flutes currently in Europe from c.1670 - 1760 Comparison of the flute's development to that of the recorder and oboe
Chapter II	A brief history of the solo and ensemble flute repertoire up to 1791 (Mozart's last flute work) How the popularity of the galant style aided the emergence of the flute as a more prominent instrument Extracts cited from the works of Loeillet de Gant, J S Bach, Telemann and C P E Bach Observations regarding the social environment surrounding Mozart and the importance of Patrons
Chapter III	Discussion of Mozart's flute Concertos and Quartets References to other relevant works Examination of particular features within the music, in relation to the Baroque and contemporary performer
Chapter IV	The Growth of the printing and publishing industries Development of the orchestra, citing selected works of Handel and J S Bach Emergence of the flute within the orchestra in the latter part of the 18th century Revealing Mozart's increased use of the instrument in his orchestral music from 1772-1788
Bibliography
Illustrative Bibliography
Journal
Discography
Musical scores and Sheet Music
Appendix I	Chronology: Mozart's works for the flute
Appendix II	Virgiliano - Ricercata 6 from Il Dolcimelo, (c.after 1600)
Appendix III	Fingering Chart from Hotteterre's Principes (1707)
Appendix IV	Opening of Mozart's Symphony No.41 in C major (K.551)
Appendix V	Illustrations showing the Six Themes from the last movement of Mozart's Symphony No.41 in C major (K.551)

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