Standard articulations
Like the C flute, it is possible to execute a range of different articulations on the bass flute. Unless specified by the composer, in view of a particular effect, the player will choose a form of articulation to suit the tempo of the written passage. This will usually correspond approximately to single tonguing (the tongue flicking to the roof of the mouth as if saying ‘de’ or ‘te’ at the beginning of each note) for semiquavers at speeds up to around 120-130 crotchets per minute, and double tonguing (the single tonguing action followed by a reflex ‘ge’ or ‘ke’ at the back of the mouth for alternate notes) for faster speeds. Triple tonguing may be produced in a range of ways (‘de-ge-de de-ge-de’ and ‘de-ge-de ge-de-ge’ being the most common on the flute) and is only usually reserved for triplets at very fast speeds. Prolonged passages of tonguing at fast speeds may cause player fatigue. It may therefore be advisable to consider adding slurs or rests in longer passages.
Scale played single tongued
Scale played double tongued
Scale played triple tongued
Generally speaking, the player will choose which form of articulation to use according to their own abilities and preferences, so it does not need to be specified by the composer. Double and triple tonguing may be employed at slow speeds but is usually less successful than single tonguing. Repeated notes of the same pitch may be notated in shorthand in the normal way.
Notation of standard articulations
Single tonguing
Double tonguing
Triple tonguing