Page:The story of the flute (IA storyofflute1914fitz).djvu/248



SuitabilityFemale players in classic timesMore recent flautistesEnglish flautistes of to-dayAmerican flautistesFemale composers for the flute.

flute is the only wind instrument which has to any appreciable extent been adopted by women. Still, in modern times at any rate, flute-playing has never found many votaries amongst women, and none have ever attained the very first rank as performers. The mere man might attribute this to the fact that one cannot flute and talk at the same time, or possibly it may be, as a fair flautiste is recently reported to have said, because kissing is fatal to flute-playing: in such a contest it is, of course, the flute that goes under. In early Victorian times it was considered most unlady-like and vulgar. Yet the instrument is extremely well suited for ladies. The attitude when playing is graceful and healthy, affording ample opportunity for the display of a beautiful arm; it is a gentle instrument, requiring but little physical exertion. Moreover, women possess more delicacy of touch and deftness of finger than men, and their lips are softer and more flexible.