Lately, I’ve been playing the flute more and more — this year I've added an alto flute to my collection. The fingerings are the same, but the sound is completely different. Its deeper, richer tone feels closer to the human voice, like a breath connecting to something primal.

Switching instruments makes me appreciate the subtle nuances of sound, the way each note resonates differently.

The alto flute has been around since the mid-19th century, designed to expand the range of the traditional concert flute. I was forced to play it in orchestras as a student, but now I’ve really started appreciating it.

Martin