Started by
Dante
Member
Member
Hi, if the instrumentation included an entry like this:
"2 flutes (piccolo)"
What is meant by that?
To explain myself better, I understand Flute 1, Flute 2, and one of the 2 flute players also plays the piccolo.
In the score, if I wanted to use this configuration, what should I do?
A staff dedicated to Flute 1 and piccolo and one staff for Flute 2?
Or is it customary for the 2nd flute to also play the piccolo?
Or even better, 3 independent staves?
... sorry for the series of questions
Member
Hi. So "2 flutes (piccolo)" means that the 2nd flute in some parts of the piece will have to play the piccolo (this is very frequent in Italian opera, for example).
It is never the first flute that also plays the piccolo if there are two flute players and there is only one piccolo part.
In the score you have various possibilities, but the most convenient one, if the 2nd flute/piccolo change is frequent, is to have two separate staves (joined by a brace, like the piano staff for instance) and always write the two flutes separately, indicating "2nd flute plays piccolo" on the 2nd flute part every time they must change instruments.
Member
Carlos's suggestion is great!
Member
Thanks Carlos, clear as always.
If I wanted to use only one staff (Flute2/piccolo), what would you suggest?
