Helen Bledsoe

Category: extended techniques

  • Effective Use (or not) of percussive sounds

    I have already written a lot on the subject of percussive sounds, but here I would like to add a few subtleties of usage. We will be performing Grisey’s Talea soon, and preparing the score, I am struck by how fantastic the piece is, yet how awkwardly some of the percussive effects are used. My…

  • Writing Harmonics for Flute – when is a harmonic not a harmonic?

    Harmonics (also called overtones or flageolets)  are great! I love playing them, but I want to mention several issues when writing them for flute, piccolo, alto flute or bass flute. The most prevalent mistake is writing harmonics that are too low. The following notes cannot be written as harmonics: The above notes can only be…

  • Some thoughts on composing jet whistles

    Jet Whistles on the flute can be amazingly effective, but one has to compose them with care. You can hear a sound file here on Mats Möller’s website. He calls it “Strong air stream without tone”. Two composers who use jet whistles effectively in ensemble situations are Helmut Lachenmann (Mouvement, Zwei Gefühle) and Bernhard Lang…

  • Extended Techniques – a Do It Yourself Handout

    Here is a 14 page booklet I put together on how to do the basics of some extended techniques: Harmonics Multiphonics Singing and Playing Whistle Tones Percussive Effects Circular Breathing List of Studies for Further Practice Selected Repertoire for unaccompanied flute Here is the link. You may pass it on but please give credit where…

  • Singing and playing

    Some time ago I decided to devote at least a few minutes of my flute practice time to singing. Long story as to why, I won’t go in to that here. But the decision to sing, and the upcoming workshop I am giving at the Adams Flute Festival on Sunday April 15, 2012 inspired me…

  • Circular Breathing on the Modern Flute

    This entry is cross posted on the musikFabrik blog In 1992, while in residence at the Banff Centre, Canada, I spent eleven weeks learning to circular breathe so that I could perform Flames Must Not Encircle Sides by Robert Dick. I figured if I could do it at 1.500 meters (ca. 5000 feet) above sea…

  • Tongue Pizzicato

     A question came up on the Flute List about how to produce tongue pizzicato effectively. Here is a link to a video where I demonstrate this effect (along with other percussive effects and air sounds). This is the notation I prefer for tongue pizzicato To get a good POP, you have to close off your…

  • Air & Percussive Sounds for the Flute

     This entry is cross posted on the musikFabrik blog This video gives a brief demonstration of some common air sounds and percussive effects on the flute. Here are some further tips for players and composers: For players, when doing air sounds, it is not always necessary to use as much air as possible. After a…