Some Additional Notes on the Ancient Side Flute

Abstract

Literary, archaeological, and iconographic testimonies attest to the side flute as an instrument that, from the 4th century BC to the 3rd century AD, played its part in the Greco-Roman musical landscape. Building on the conclusions of recent studies, this contribution aims to add to the discourse some further elements regarding both the panorama that the sources allow us to draw and the structural and acoustic features of the ancient side flute. A detailed analysis of the sources sheds light on more than a name, more than one typology, more than a performative context, for an instrument whose life extended far from the bucolic cliché. Plus, the side-blown reedless headjoint is a distinctive feature of the ancient side flute, documenting an experimental journey through acoustic effectiveness that sees eye to eye with the solutions adopted by modern craftsmanship to enhance sonority and focus.