Ancient shepherds' flutes from the Balkans or from Scandinavia are the archetype for these instruments which have no fingering holes. The player generates different tones using varying blowing strengths and thus plays without any fingering technique on the natural overtone row. By covering the end of the tube with the hand, a deeper tone is generated, upon which in turn the row of natural overtones can be built. Thus melodies of unique strength and clarity can be played in the upper ranges. The overtone flute is in principle a recorder, and consequently can be played without special blowing techniques by anyone.
The overtone flutes from the Swedish firm Auris have a plastic tube with a relatively wide internal diameter and a wooden mouthpiece. This flute is particularly easy to blow even in the lower ranges and produces a warm, full sound which however cannot be overblown in the uppermost ranges. One single fingering hole is located at the lower end of the tube; this hole is sealed by the manufacturers. If the adhesive tape covering the hole is removed, an additional halftone can be generated using the thumb. In this manner, the tonal possibilities of the flute are extended enormously.
Fundamental tone F, 49 cm.
