We’re excited to unveil the vibrant Summer Edition of Flute Almanac, featuring 21 fresh, engaging, and thought-provoking articles from across the globe. This edition brings together a remarkable array of voices from France, Germany, Argentina, the United States, Hungary, Russia, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland — a true celebration of the international flute community.
Inside this issue, you’ll find a diverse collection of topics: from cutting-edge research and historical revelations to interviews, pedagogical insights, performance reflections, and a healthy dose of humor. It’s a joyful celebration of flute culture across continents, time periods, and generations — with something for everyone.
Whether you’re seeking practical tips, deep insights, or simply a moment of flute-inspired delight, we invite you to explore the latest issue article by article, one note at a time.
A Vision-Driven Platform
Flute Almanac (The Babel Flute’s successor) was founded as a bold and independent project — a space created with the flute community at heart. Our mission remains steadfast: to support, uplift, and grow with flutists worldwide. We are proud of what we’ve achieved and immensely grateful to every writer, translator, reader, and supporter who has joined us on this journey.
Our values remain our foundation:
- Educational Excellence – From newcomers to seasoned professionals, our magazine delivers high-quality content including interviews, technical advice, historical explorations, and repertoire features.
- Community-Centered – Through shared stories, events, and collaborative projects, we foster a warm, inclusive space for flutists of all backgrounds.
- Open Access – As one of the few fully free global flute magazines, we’re committed to making exceptional content available to all.
In May 2025, Flute Almanac was recognized by Google with a special award for reaching 113,000 views within just four weeks via Google Search. It was officially ranked the #1 global flute magazine by Google AI — a testament to our thriving international community and the collective passion of artists, educators, and readers from 232 countries.
What’s Inside the Summer 2025 Edition:
If Flute Brands Had Personalities
by Flute Almanac
What if your flute came to life? This imaginative article brings your favorite flute brands to life as unique characters — from the brooding artist to the futuristic trendsetter. With a blend of affectionate wit and insider knowledge, each brand becomes a vivid persona. Whether you’re loyal to Haynes or curious about Guo, this lighthearted piece will make you smile — and maybe see your own flute in a new light.
Silent Practice: How to Annoy No One and Still Win
by Flute Almanac
A humorous yet practical guide to improving your flute skills — in total silence. Explore finger drills, air-fluting, and mental practice techniques designed to keep your playing sharp and your surroundings peaceful. Ideal for late-night practice or life with roommates, this is your ultimate toolkit for quiet mastery.
Amplifying the Flute: Techniques and Tools for Electroacoustic Performance
Aude Prieur
French flutist Aude Prieur dives into the world of amplified performance, sharing her experience with microphones, pedals, and genres ranging from world music to electro. Learn how to expand your sound palette and step into the future of flute playing — from beatbox effects to loopers and glissando headjoints.
Classics Rethought – A Flute Ensemble on New Paths
Barbara Gisler-Haase
Discover the journey of the Vienna Flautists, a groundbreaking ensemble that reimagined classical repertoire for the full flute family. With published arrangements now available through Universal Edition, Barbara Gisler-Haase reflects on their mission and the transformative power of ensemble performance.
Trabajando sobre el Café 1930 de Astor Piazzolla
Eduardo Tami
Argentinian flutist Eduardo Tami begins a deep dive into Piazzolla’s Café 1930, exploring ways to channel the expressive nuances of the bandoneón on the flute. With detailed interpretive guidance and stylistic commentary, this series promises to reshape how flutists approach tango.
When My Music Was Heard in Peru: A Composer’s View on the Flute Capital of South America
Eugene Magalif
Eugene Magalif shares his personal reflections on traveling to Lima, Peru, for the performance of his Flute Concerto at the city’s major international festival. A heartfelt narrative of music, discovery, and connection in one of the world’s most vibrant flute cultures.
The General Who Stole Frederick the Great’s Flute
Gyula Czeloth-Csetényi
A gripping historical account of how Hungarian General András Hadik captured Berlin — and with it, Frederick the Great’s ivory flute. This article traces the remarkable journey of a royal instrument through war, diplomacy, and history.
International Research on Vocal Cord Behavior in Flute and Wind Instrument Techniques
Marco Gaudino
A comprehensive exploration of how the vocal cords function during flute playing, merging historical treatises, modern medical studies, and pedagogical insights. Gaudino breaks down complex anatomy and links it to performance technique with clarity and depth.
Where the Musicians Are: Music as a Way of Life
Marco Gaudino
A poetic meditation on what it means to live a musician’s life — with all its dedication, emotion, and discipline. Gaudino’s reflections are a moving tribute to the transformative power of sound.
Vincenzo De Michelis – Flautist of 19th-Century Rome
Maurizio Bignardelli
Explore the life of a forgotten Roman flutist who left his mark as a performer, teacher, and inventor. This rich portrait includes rare recordings and rediscovered manuscripts, offering a glimpse into 19th-century Italian flute culture.
First Steps of Young Flutists. Part I: Breathing and Tone Production
Marina Vologdina
This pedagogical guide focuses on the fundamentals of breath and tone for young beginners, offering practical exercises, anatomical explanations, and teaching strategies — perfect for parents and instructors alike.
La Biomusica applicata al Flauto Traverso
Mirella Pantano
Blending science and art, this article introduces biomusic and its applications for flutists. With a focus on posture, breath, and emotion, it’s a unique path toward expressive playing and personal well-being.
Shakuhachi: The Sound of Japan, Breath, Silence and Spirit
Rodrigo Rodríguez
Rodrigo Rodríguez reflects on his spiritual and musical journey with the shakuhachi, drawing connections between Japanese tradition and Western training in a beautifully written and deeply personal piece.
Two Days of “Flute Intensive” at Weinberg Castle with FLUTE TRENDS
Stefan Keller
Held in a fairytale Austrian castle, this seminar led by Stefan Keller blended cutting-edge pedagogy with experimental sound. A firsthand look at an inspiring professional gathering of flutists.
Shaping Large Structures
Timothy Lane
Building on his work in phrase shaping, Lane turns to larger musical forms, guiding readers through tools for shaping extended sections using timing, color, and closure. A must for advanced musicians.
Kaija Saariaho (1952–2023): The Luminous Voice of the North
Vilma Campitelli
A moving tribute to one of the most important contemporary composers for the flute. Campitelli offers an insightful exploration of Saariaho’s sound world and her lasting impact on the repertoire.
The Day I Almost Lost My Flute – and My Future
Yulia Berry, DMA
A dramatic true story of how a forgotten flute nearly derailed a career. Yulia Berry recounts her desperate search in a freezing Saint Petersburg winter — and shares ten essential tips for instrument safety.
The Power of Scales: Why Practicing Them Is Essential for Every Musician
Yulia Berry, DMA
Scales are more than exercises — they’re the building blocks of musical fluency. This practical and inspiring article breaks down the how, why, and what of scale practice, with a top-10 list of recommended method books.
Reviews:
Bringing Hugues to the Stage: Domenico Testaì’s Passionate Tribute to a Forgotten Master
by Flute Almanac
An emotional and scholarly revival of Luigi Hugues’ operatic paraphrases, brought to life by Domenico Testaì and pianist Ninni Spina in a stunning world-premiere recording.
Book Review: A Revolutionary Approach to the Physiology of Sound in Wind Instruments
by Flute Almanac
A detailed review of Marco Gaudino’s landmark book on the physiology of sound. With insights into breath control, muscle coordination, and tone production, it’s a must-read for serious wind players.
With Gratitude
We extend our deepest thanks to all the authors who contributed to this exceptional Summer 2025 Edition. Your perspectives, research, and creativity continue to elevate the global flute dialogue.
And to our readers — thank you for being the heart of this community. Your support inspires us to keep exploring, connecting, and celebrating the art of the flute.
Flute Almanac is always open to new voices. If you have a story, article, research project, or review to share, we welcome your contribution for our next edition — releasing September 15, 2025.
Let’s continue shaping the future of flute, together.
