I’ve got a couple of fairly recent pieces of timber, to which I’ve been paying almost exclusive attention. I pick up one of the neglected flutes a couple of times a week just to keep them hydrated. Tonight for the first time in probably a couple of weeks, I picked up the Schultz/Thin Weasel flute. I have historically had a difficult time with this flute, usually having a “good day” on it maybe one day out of three. The good days are worth it, though. So tonight I pick it up, after having played the new Olwell for awhile this afternoon, and, bingo. I don’t know that I’ve ever played it that well. It’s a very interesting flute, in that it’s loosely based on a Rudall design, but has huge toneholes, so it can really be played as though it’s a Rudall or Pratten, capable of a really wide range of tones.
Usually when I play an Olwell or the Bleazey first in a day, a more difficult (to me) flute is virtually impossible. I’m wondering whether (a) the Olwell is giving me confidence; (b) the Hammy, which is not natural to me, is giving me new capabilities; or (c) both of the above; or (d) neither of the above – I was just having a good day (of which I’ve had many lately).
I’ve been thinking about this lately too; not only in my playing but in all areas of my life. I find that I’m constantly searching for that magic formula that I can reproduce for perfection on another day. I haven’t found it yet, but I keep looking.
It really gets me down. I know I should just appreciate the days when I’m “on”, and be resigned and hopeful on the days I’m not, but that’s not easy.
Sort of a deep response for a flute question–sorry! I’m ready to leave China for awhile I think.
No need to apologize at all – the flute as metaphor for life; I’d never really thought of that. But the thought certainly is applicable.
To your second thought, I don’t think you should let it get you down, and you should be hopeful, but never resigned. There’s always room for improvement, and I think everybody should strive to improve.
Maybe this will help. People who fish say that when you have a bad day of fishing, it just makes the good days that much more magic. Besides a bad day of fishing (or fluting) still ain’t that bad. (beats work)
i can imagine it must be difficult feeling good one day and bad the next,there is a psychiatrist in most every town to help care for this, is’nt that what they are there for, dont feel bad about it.
Funny how different flutes teach you different things about different flutes. An Olwell I have on-loan really ‘encouraged’ the embochure requirements needed for a focused tone for that flute (or at the least the beginings of ‘focused’ at my neophite level), so that when I picked up my now gone (), J. Gallagher, I was able to explore a whole new dynamic of its capabilites instead of just being loud.
I always got a decent sound (and great volume when desired) out of the Gallagher, but it took some time w/the Olwell to see what the Gallagher was truly capable of in terms of complexity.
), J. Gallagher, I was able to explore a whole new dynamic of its capabilites instead of just being loud.