Flute history

When people think of a flute, they imagine the familiar flute seen in an orchestra.  This is known as the Western concert flute, a "transverse" or "side-blown" flute which is held horizontally.  (There are many kinds of flutes around the world.)  Direct relations of this modern flute have existed since the 11th or 12th century and became popular in the 16th century.  The modern flute was developed by Theobald Boehm in 1847.  This flute boasted tonal power, agility, secure intonation, and new fingerings.  (Boehm developed the Boehm key system, which later influenced other instruments such as clarinet and saxophone.)  It's most important feature was its ring keys, which allow two holes to be covered at once using only one key.

My flute (a piccolo is about half the size)

Flutes are normally made from nickel-silver or sterling silver, allowing for a flexible, projectable tone.  However, many players mix other materials such as wood and gold.  Wood allows for richer, stronger lower notes; and gold creates a mellow sound.

The flute family includes the piccolo, alto flute, and bass flute.  The Western concert, or C, flute's compass extends from c' to f''''.  It's close cousin, the piccolo, has a slightly different range but sounds an octave higher.  The alto and bass flute sound a third and a fifth below the C flute, respectively.

The flute's compass