The first step to interpreting a piece is to determine the time period in which it was written and the performance style of that era. The lifespan of the composer or other information on the music might give clues to the era of the piece. Here are the dates of the major musical periods:
Baroque Period 1600 to 1750
Classical Period 1750 to 1820
Romantic Period 1820 to 1900
Modern Period 1900 to present
If you are still unsure what period your piece is from, click here to go to the music history page where I've listed some of the major composers by time period. Once you've figured out what time period your piece was from, click here to go to the page that explains the characteristics of pieces from each time period. Then click here to find out about the flutes used during that time period.
Dynamics
Dynamic contrast (fortes and pianos) and phrasing (crescendos and decrescendos) have a huge effect on your interpretation of the piece. Make sure you exaggerate the dynamic contrasts in the music so that they come across clearly to the audience. Things like decrescendoing down to pianisimo before a forte marking can do a lot to increase dynamic contrast and variety in the piece. Adding phrasing and dynamic variety that's not written in the music can add a lot of interest to the piece. Listening to recordings of the song by several different flute players is a great way to get ideas for interpretation.
Musical Stories
A great way to interpret a piece is to make up a story that goes with the piece. If the song had words, what kind of story would it tell? An exciting fanfare at the beginning of a concerto might announce the arrival of a king to a palace, while a longing melody in a minor key might suggest the parting of good friends. If you are thinking of the story while playing the piece, much of the interpretation will probably happen for itself.
