(Brussels, 1703-1768) Boxwood originals, c1770-1803,
in Barthold Kuÿken's and other collections. With screw-cork.
a=415.
The Instrument
Godfridus Adrianus Rottenburgh began working
c1744, but probably not under his own name for at least
his first decade in business, since in 1756, two months after
the death of his father I.H.
Rottenburgh, newspaper ads were still being placed under
the father's trade name.The G.A. stamp continued in use after Godfridus
Adrianus's death by his younger son Franciscus Josephus (1743-1803),
who placed an ad to that effect in 1784. So the actual range
of dates during which the G.A. Rottenburgh stamp was
in use on the oboes, recorders, flutes, clarinets, and bassoons
the shop made was probably c1756-1803. Though Barthold
Kuÿken's Rottenburgh flute is doubtless the most copied
18th-century flute of the past 30 years, recent research suggests
the type is somewhat later than a "baroque" flute. Though without the grand tone of the true baroque instruments, it
is easy to play in tune and with a beautiful sound. For these
reasons, and for its small hand stretch, it is a good
choice for beginners. We advise everyone who comes to us for
a Rottenburgh to try a Denner and
a Palanca first.
The Music
We are so accustomed to hearing any and all
18th-century music played on Rottenburgh copies that nothing
can be considered out of bounds. Historically speaking, the
classical repertoire fits well, except that the Rottenburgh's
low register lacks the power of good classical flutes.
Audio sample
Fingering
Chart