Tuesday, February 19, 2013

F is for Flautist

The ABC Wednesday Meme is a great way to see some great blogs. This week the letter is "F". F is for Flautist; Or is it F is for Flutist? The choice of "flautist" versus "flutist" is the source of vicious dispute among players of the instrument. "Flutist" is the earlier term in the English language, dating from at least 1603, while "flautist" is not recorded before 1860.

Philip Kim

The first edition of the Oxford English Dictionary  lists fluter as dating from circa 1400 and Fowler's Modern English Usage states that "there seems no good reason" why flautist should have prevailed over fluter or flutist. However, according to Webster's Dictionary of English Usage, flautist is the preferred term in British English, and while both terms are used in American English, flutist is "by far the more common choice."

James Galway summed up the way he feels about "flautist," saying, "I am a flute player not a flautist. I don't have a flaut and I've never flauted."

Philip Kim and Katherine Lin

I've never seen James Galway though I have a number of his CD's.  Even though I have never seen James Galway perform, I have had the privilege of hearing top quality flute music.  A few years ago we had a concert at our church by Philip Kim and Katherine Lin.  Philip and his family attended our church a number of years ago.  I hadn't seen him for some time.  When he was a little boy he idolized my daughter and would follow her around wherever she would go.  Philip spent a few month living in Mena after he graduated from college in 2009.  While he was here he put on a concert.  It was amazing to have such quality classical music in our little church.

I asked Philip and Katherine if they would let me film them playing, and they graciously agreed.  If you enjoy quality classical music be sure to check out these videos.







I'm sure that you will agree that Philip is an accomplished flutist. Or is he an accomplished flautist?

11 comments:

  1. He is talented no matter what you call him : )

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    1. Hi Richie! You have done me a great favour! I love this music. The second video with "Jesus joy of man's desiring " by J.S. Bach was always my favourite music. The last video was also beautiful and I believe it was Chinese or Japanese music, if I am right.
      Thank you so much! Flutist or flautist... Never mind, he is accomplished! Ans so is she....

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  2. He is very good and talented! Beautiful music:-)

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  3. I'll have top come back and listen to the flutist/flautist. The latter sounds a bit affected, but it's legit.
    ROG, ABC Wednesday team

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  4. Fabulous flautist!

    Leslie
    abcw team

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  5. wonderful post for ABC ~ lovely music and photos ^_^

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  6. Absolutely beautiful no matter what the "official" pronunciation is.

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  7. Beautiful music, instrument and perfect letter F captures, whether flutist or flautist.

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  8. Loved the Galway quote and my preference is his for similar reasons. I enjoyed your post, especially your delving into the dictionary for us. Thanks!

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  9. Amazing talents.

    Fitness... Fashion... Family

    Playing catch up again with F entries..
    Rose, ABC Wednesday Team

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  10. I like James Galway's take on the debate. :)

    You have some very talented youngsters there.

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