Instruments of the Modern Symphony Orchestra/PICCOLO

by Arthur Edward Johnstone

PICCOLO

Italian	German	French
Flauto Piccolo Ottavino	Kleine flöte	Petite flûte

Ernest F. Wagner
N.Y. Philharmonic Orchestra

The piccolo flute (italian "Piccolo" small) or piccolo is slightly less than half the size of the ordinary flute. Its technic is the same, but its range, an octave above that of the flute, is also slightly restricted at both ends of its compass, the lowest note being D and the highest useful note B flat.

The first octave is weak and of little effect, its tones being better replaced by the second octave of the flute. The second octave of the piccolo is useful for imparting brilliancy in fortissimo passages, or it may be used for extending the upward range of the wood-wind, either forte or piano, by continuing a passage when it passes above the compass of the flute. The highest notes are shrill and piercing; they are excellent for tearing, whistling effects in music of a stormy or terrifying character.

The use of the piccolo in the orchestra is incidental rather than normal. When three flutes are employed, the third, or the second and third players, take the piccolo part or parts where indicated in the score.

Parts for the piccolo are written an octave below their actual sound in order to avoid the constant use of leger lines above the staff. It is therefore a "transposing instrument."

The range of the piccolo is: (sounds an octave higher)

ERNEST F. WAGNER
N. Y. PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA