(Dresden, 1720-1807) Boxwood and ebony originals in
numerous collections. With screw-cork.
Also available with additional keys for Bb, G# and
F. Pitches from A=415 to a=440, listed on the options form
below.
The Instrument
August Grenser's workshop was perhaps the most
famous in Europe in the 18th century, unless Thomas
Lot's was better known. The flutes made there from 1744
onward hardly varied from a standard design for half a century.
Even flutes with keys for Bb, G# and F besides the
D# key, like the one dated 1796 in the Miller Collection at
the Library of Congress in Washington DC, were made to the
same pattern. The Grenser flutes can cover a wide range of
pitches: the most useful ones today are a=415, 430 and 440.
They are not easy to play in keys with flats in the signature,
but work well in sharp keys. The Grenser flutes have a reedy
tone that is penetrating rather than large.
The Music
Grenser flutes can be used for much of the music
of the 18th century, up to and including that of the classical
composers such as Haydn and Mozart. The flute brings a special
character to the music that some players find desirable for
particular repertoire: but although this must have been popular
250 years ago, most people today find the Palanca
flute a more comfortable all-round instrument. For a keyed
flute, the Tromlitz is the most
useful choice.
Fingering
Chart