As low flutes become more popular, so will the mixed flute quartet. This instrumentation allows four flute players to do more than just play the C flute.
If you’re looking to challenge yourself or your students, consider some mixed quartets. Keep reading to learn more about this ensemble.
What Is a Mixed Flute Quartet?
I coined the term “mixed flute quartet” to mean a piece two C flutes, an alto flute, and a bass flute. But you could use the same term to refer to any type of flute quartet that uses more than one type of flute.
So maybe you have a quartet that includes three C flutes and one alto. Or perhaps you want to play a quartet for piccolo, C flute, alto flute, and bass flute.
Whatever it is, a mixed flute quartet is not a group of four C flutes. Or even four piccolos or four alto flutes.
Why Play Mixed Flute Quartet Music
When shopping for new flute sheet music, you may wonder whether you should get some mixed quartets. Consider the following benefits of playing this instrumentation.
Explore Different Flutes
I don’t know about you, but I didn’t get to play alto or bass flute until college. And outside of school and flute choirs, I haven’t had much of a chance to play low flutes.
A mixed flute quartet gives you the excuse to experiment with the different members of the flute family. You can form a quartet with a few of your flute friends.
Then, you can switch off instruments so that everyone gets a chance to play everything. It’s a great way to build your skills on the different types of flutes we have.
Beef Up the Low Register
Especially when flute ensembles include the alto and bass, you can get a bigger sound down low. You can get a nice sound from four C flutes.
However, it often lacks that lower foundation that you’ll find from other instruments. But you don’t need to know a low reeds player to get that tone.
Instead, find some flute quartets with alto and/or bass flute parts. That way, you can still get that full sound you’re looking for.
Emulate the String Quartet
One of my favorite things about the mixed flute quartet is its similarities with the string quartet. The two C flutes are like the violins.
Meanwhile, the alto flute is like the viola, and the bass flute is like the cello. That makes it a nice way to learn string quartet music or even “flute quartet” music that’s really for flute and strings.
For example, I arranged the Mozart Flute Quartet in D for a mixed flute quartet. You can still play it without needing to know three string players.
Easily Expand to a Flute Choir
You can also use mixed flute quartet music in a flute choir setting. Assign the alto and bass parts to all members of the low flute section.
Then, divide the C flutes into two groups and assign the C flute parts accordingly. I’ve played a few quartets in a larger ensemble setting, and many pieces work well.
This is a great option for smaller flute choirs or even larger choirs with more low flutes. And it allows you to closely emulate a string orchestra.
Play Original Music and Arrangements
If you have the means to form a mixed flute quartet, you can open yourself up to more repertoire. More and more composers are writing music that includes parts for the lower flutes.
And of course, there are arrangements of string quartets but also of pieces for other instrumentations. If you like the range of the different flutes, this instrumentation has you covered.
As more composers and arrangers write for it, there will be even more music for you to play.
Final Thoughts
If you want to play flute with others, consider forming a mixed flute quartet. You can explore all different kinds of pieces for the group.
Whether you want to play an arrangement or commission something, you have options. That way, you can enjoy playing flute in a whole new way.
And if you’d like to start with a shorter mixed flute quartet arrangement, check out my version of Danse Macabre!
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