Story of the Flute
flutes, in which I had the honour of taking part. Svendsen's principal pupil was A. P. Vivian (1855-1903), who inherited much of the manner of his master, and became Professor at the Royal Academy and principal flute at many leading concerts in London.
There are in England to-day many fine flautists. The first name that will occur to every flute-player isLeadingFlautists
in England
To-day that of John R. Radcliff (b. 1842), who began his career, at the early age of seven, on a penny whistle, having stopped up the top end with a cork and improvised a mouth-hole at the side. He played in public when twelve years old. Mr. Radcliff mastered the Böhm system in a fortnight. His tone is remarkably powerful, recalling that of Charles Nicholson. Next in seniority stands Edward de Jong (b. 1837), a Hollander who has made England his home for very many years past. He arrived at our shores with the magnificent sum of 1s. 6d. in Dutch money in his pocket! After playing in Jullien's band he joined the Hallé orchestra, of which he remained a distinguished member for fifteen years. Mr. E. de Jong is eminently successful as an orchestral conductor. In his hands the flute almost becomes articulate; it literally sings, especially on the lower register. Other players of the older generation still happily with us are Jean Firmin Brossa, born in Geneva in 1839, for many years first flute of the Hallé orchestra and possessed of wonderfully pure, delicate tone and a marvellous pianissimo; and William L. Barrett. On
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