The flugel is not a real instrument

[Rambo Chick]

Hi all

The above statement (title of thread) is NOT a representation of my views just to clarify!

My friend works for a music company over here in New Zealand and they come out with the most ridiculous statements and requests from their workers, the above being one of them!

Another quote which still has us flabbergasted/highly amused:

<in the office one morning there was a strong smell of gas>
my friend: "we should call the fire brigade/authorities"
Office manager/owner: "no it's fine get to work, New Zealand gas isn't flammable anyway"

So re the flugel thing; they had a well known performer of these parts come to audition for something and the company said after that they:

"couldn't believe someone would audition on a FLUGEL, because its just a blending instrument, and isn't real, it's a nothing instrument" !!!

outraged I was, Outraged!!

Slightly tongue in cheek of course!

[covkiddownunder]

Typical!!! Someone should tell this "musical organisation" to look at just a couple of examples (Mahler 3 and Tippet 3) which confirms that the flugel is a real instrument. (Not bothering to even mention its relevance to brass bands of course, as he probably wouldn't recognise that as a credible musical entity, either...)

[worzel]

What! He hasn't seen Brassed Off?

[MoominDave]

This bloke might disagree with them over the gas thing:
http://www.3news.co.nz/Shoddy-workma...8/Default.aspx

Sounds like a right bunch of plonkers!

[Vegasbound]

It's a doubling instrument for the 3rd or 4th trumpet....

[P_S_Price]

In SA music it is a colouring instrument; along with - Soppy Rano, 2nd Barredone, Euphalonium, and all Thrombones!

[tgfoxley]

Hi all

The above statement (title of thread) is NOT a representation of my views just to clarify!

My friend works for a music company over here in New Zealand and they come out with the most ridiculous statements and requests from their workers, the above being one of them!

Another quote which still has us flabbergasted/highly amused:

<in the office one morning there was a strong smell of gas>
my friend: "we should call the fire brigade/authorities"
Office manager/owner: "no it's fine get to work, New Zealand gas isn't flammable anyway"

So re the flugel thing; they had a well known performer of these parts come to audition for something and the company said after that they:

"couldn't believe someone would audition on a FLUGEL, because its just a blending instrument, and isn't real, it's a nothing instrument" !!!

outraged I was, Outraged!!

Slightly tongue in cheek of course!

What - on the basis that it is an "in-between" instrument?

In that case, the tenor horn and baritone should be wary of these guys!

[Cath Ata]

The tenor horn is not a real instrument!

[Rambo Chick]

This bloke might disagree with them over the gas thing:
http://www.3news.co.nz/Shoddy-workma...8/Default.aspx

Sounds like a right bunch of plonkers!

They certainly are!!

[hobgoblin]

The flugal provides a nice colour in the band and a bridge between cnts and horns.
That said, it's seriousness as an instrument is undermined by the fact that with few exceptions it is played by failed solo cornet players that have a pleasant sound, but neither the technique, range or endurance to make it on the front row / principle cornet.
In this sense though it is no different to the baritone & perhaps tenor horn - which are played mostly by failed euph /cornet players.
All these instruments in the hands of the very best players are "proper" instruments though - it's just a shame they attract losers.
(As a cr*p bass player I think I can say this!)

[Ianroberts]

The flugal provides a nice colour in the band and a bridge between cnts and horns.
That said, it's seriousness as an instrument is undermined by the fact that with few exceptions it is played by failed solo cornet players that have a pleasant sound, but neither the technique, range or endurance to make it on the front row / principle cornet.
In this sense though it is no different to the baritone & perhaps tenor horn - which are played mostly by failed euph /cornet players.
All these instruments in the hands of the very best players are "proper" instruments though - it's just a shame they attract losers.
(As a cr*p bass player I think I can say this!)

Time for you to put your tin hat on mate !

[CubbRep]

I disagree that the Flugel is played by failed cornet/euphonium players.I would like you to say that to some of the top Flugel players in this country.It is a specialist instrument on which you develop your own style unlike a lot cornet players.
I am a cornet player,but still love playing the Flugel and given any opportunity will take it out of its case and play.So.to make a satement like Flugel is played by failed cornet and euph players is a bit drastic.

[katieeuph]

Time for you to put your tin hat on mate !

Nope, just time for him to crawl back under the bridge he came from (you know, the one the 3 Billy Goats Gruff frequent....)

[Rambo Chick]

That said, it's seriousness as an instrument is undermined by the fact that with few exceptions it is played by failed solo cornet players that have a pleasant sound, but neither the technique, range or endurance to make it on the front row / principle cornet.

ouch!! FEW exceptions? I'm afraid I have to disagree. Perhaps your experiences have been different. Speaking personally, flugel has been my main instrument on which (without blowing my own trumpet, da dum Cha!) I have technique, endurance (and although it could be improved, range). Flugel was the instrument on which I did my degree and I made it my own, and stood alongside the cornet players in terms of proficiency

In this sense though it is no different to the baritone & perhaps tenor horn - which are played mostly by failed euph /cornet players.
All these instruments in the hands of the very best players are "proper" instruments though - it's just a shame they attract losers.
(As a cr*p bass player I think I can say this!)

Losers? - cutting remarks!! Ouchy ouchy!

I think I get that you mean it may attract players who see it as an 'easy' instrument. Sadly, given the parts that are written for flugel, it is invariably less challenging than say solo cornet parts (of course there are exceptions), and a source of frustration for me as a flugel player who would like to see more challenging 'technical' music written for the flugel in brass bands.

That said however,it can be argued that a slow melody played well is just as tricky as high technical fast stuff, especially because there's no room for bluffing!

[hobgoblin]

A degree in flugal horn - would you like a large fries with that!?