For the first time there was an explicit distinction between the “ flauto dolce” (recorder) and the “ flauto traverso” (transverse flute) as their Italian names illustrate. Since then, it has enjoyed constant recognition as a serious instrument especially, but not exclusively, as a first instrument for children’s musical education.ĭuring the baroque period the transverse flute, which had fallen somewhat into oblivion until then, came back into the spotlight. During the 18th century, however, it was forgotten or replaced by other instruments and only regained its popularity in the mid-20th century.
In the 3 centuries that followed it was by far the most popular wind instrument, also because of its tonal proximity to the human voice.
