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 The overtone flute can without any doubt, be referred to as one of the earliest flutes known to mankind, of which many different types have evolved since. The oldest known musical instrument is a Neanderthal flute. Found in Slovenia in 1995, it is said to be at least 43,000 years old. The indigenous people of South America use long wooden tubes as blowguns and for purposes as diverse as hunting, ceremonial rites and also to make music. In its simplest form, the flute is a plant stalk that has been cut aslant at the top. Since the flute doesn't have any fingerholes, it is blown at an angle over the rim, and commonly used all over the globe. In Europe, the flutes made of plant stalks were mostly played by children, while more sophisticated wooden flutes, often with a "labium" (a hole through which air leaves the flute, similar to that of a recorder), were played by the adults, mainly by shepherds who spent their days playing the flute while working, practising their melodies for festivities in their home villages. In Western Europe, the changes in culture and lifestyle have made the overtone flute almost disappear in traditional folk music. However, in the East, and especially in Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria and Scandinavia, the flute can still be found today. The overtone flute is currently experiencing a renaissance in the West. It is being included as an instrument of choice, not only in ambient or meditative music, but also in rock music and the techno and electronic music scenes. More and more people are enjoying easy access into the world of the overtone flute. After all, the flute is not only easy to play, it also produces deeply moving natural harmonies. |
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Neanderthal Flute made from pierced bone. |
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| The Neanderthal flute, dating back at least 43,000 years, is the oldest known musical instrument. Today, the flute is an integral part of almost every type of music, from classical to contemporary. | ||
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