The term "vertical flute" refers to a type of flute that is played while held vertically in front of the player's body. The word "vertical" is spelt as /ˈvəːtɪkəl/ in IPA phonetic transcription, where the stress is on the second syllable, vərTIcal. The word "flute" is spelt as /fluːt/ in IPA phonetic transcription, where the stress is on the first syllable, FLOOt. Overall, the spelling of "vertical flute" accurately reflects the pronunciation of these two words.
A vertical flute refers to a wind instrument that is vertically held and played by blowing air across the edge of a hole or a series of holes. Also known as a fipple flute or a duct flute, it is characterized by its cylindrical or conical shape and can be made from various materials such as wood, metal, or plastic. The term "vertical flute" is often used to differentiate these types of flutes from transverse flutes, which are played horizontally.
In the context of music, the vertical flute produces sound when the player directs a stream of air towards the embouchure hole or the blow hole on the instrument. It typically has finger holes or keys to control the pitch and tone of the produced sounds. The vertical orientation of the flute allows for ease of playing while standing or sitting, making it a versatile instrument in different musical genres.
Vertical flutes are present in numerous cultures worldwide and have a rich historical and cultural significance. Examples of vertical flutes include the Irish tin whistle, the Native American flute, and the recorder. These instruments are commonly used for solo performances, ensembles, as well as traditional folk music. Due to their portable nature and relatively simple construction, vertical flutes are often favored by beginners and experienced musicians alike.
The etymology of the word "vertical flute" can be broken down as follows:
- "Vertical" originates from the Latin word "verticālis", derived from the noun "vertex" meaning "a point, highest part". The word eventually evolved to describe something positioned or aligned in a perpendicular manner. The term "vertical" was then adopted into English during the 16th century.
- "Flute" comes from the Old French word "flaüte", which itself derived from the Old Provençal "flaüt", meaning "flute, musical pipe". Moreover, the word can be traced back to the Latin word "flauta" or "flabūla", borrowed from the Greek word "phlôos", meaning "sound, tone".