Double contrabass flute
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The double contrabass flute (sometimes also called the octobass flute or subcontrabass flute) is the largest and lowest pitched metal flute in the world. It is pitched in the key of C, three octaves below the concert flute (two octaves below the bass flute and one octave below the contrabass flute). Its lowest note is C1, one octave below the cello's lowest C. This note is relatively easy to play in comparison to most other large flutes. Despite the tendency of the larger sizes of flute to be softer than their higher pitched relatives, the double contrabass flute has a relatively powerful tone, although it usually benefits from amplification in ensembles.
The Japanese firm of Kotato & Fukushima sell their double contrabass flutes for US$38,000.[1]
Their main use has been in large flute choirs, although at least one work has been written specifically for it, Genesis I:I for narrator and orchestra by the American composer Adam Gilberti.[citation needed]
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[edit] PVC version
A double contrabass flute constructed of PVC, called a subcontrabass flute by its maker, the Dutch instrument maker Jelle Hogenhuis, has the tubing in a notably different arrangement from its metal counterpart.[2]
Although the PVC instrument was designed to be an ensemble instrument it was soon discovered by various solo artists who saw the merits of the instrument for their musical purposes. The bore is wider than what one usually finds in a metal double contrabass flute. The instrument is comparatively light, weighing only 7 kg (compared to 15 kg for the brass version[1]), and can be produced relatively quickly and inexpensively. In addition, the PVC appears to produce a broad tone.[2]
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[edit] Listening
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