Baroque Flutes (Traversos)

The modern concert flute, known as the Boehm system flute, was invented by Theobald Boehm in 1847 and gradually superseded the Baroque flute (traverso) and classical flutes of earlier periods.

The tone and playing style of the Baroque flute is quite different from modern flutes, and is the instrument and sound composers of this earlier period would have been familiar with when writing music for the flute.

Baroque period (approx 1600 to 1750) - e.g. J.S. Bach, Handel, Purcell, Telemann, Vivaldi

Classical period (approx 1730 to 1820) - e.g. C.P.E. Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Schubert

Period flute makers search out fine examples of early flutes in museums, libraries and monasteries around the world. They take meticulous measurements and craft perfect replicas using the same techniques and materials as would have been used in the 17th and 18th centuries.

We have curated a selection of period flutes from some of the world's finest current makers!