The Relationship between the Remains of the 19th Century Flute and the Musical Style of the Time: Taking the Flute of the Paris Conservatory as an Example

Abstract

This research focuses on the innovations that emerged in the 19^th century regarding the relationship of flutes on music styles most particularly those used at the Paris Conservatory. The intent of the study is to assess how innovations in the important systems, materials, design, affected music styles, performance techniques, and the general prestige of the flute. In line with this, the work employs a qualitative research approach to analyse interviews with flute experts as well as carry out a thematic analysis of music experts and historical documents to unravel such relations. From the expert interviews, thematic analysis codifying the perceptions of the advancements and their consequences influences on the performance practices. The findings points at their positive impact not only on the development of the instrument its expressive and technical potential but on the social status of the instrument as well, which has emerged as one of the most important soloist instruments of the nineteenth century.