There are some Rudall Carte flutes around which have been restored and are well maintained. Rudall Carte flutes are old instruments (at least by flute standards) - most were made around the start of the 20th century (I think). Having recently acquired a copy of Charles Nicholson's 'Beauties for the Flute' (and given the circumstances of 2020), I thought his variations on 'Life Let Us Cherish' provided another fitting sound sample for this 200 year old instrument. It's a bit hard to say without knowing more about the specific flute in question. Searching for a simple piece to help get to know the instrument, I came across Hoffmeister’s setting of an unknown theme and variations which seemed to suit the flute’s character rather well ( Listen here). It has a very gentle voice and intonation remains a voyage of discovery. Yet, it was such an intriguing instrument, and after it was lovingly restored by Arthur Haswell it now begins to sing again. It showed the signs of wear and tear with a long crack (still visible) along the head-joint, and evidently some of the key mounts had been knocked off and hastily glued back again. The serial number is 3582 which, according to the firm’s archives (stock books), was made by Ounsted and added to stock on 3rd December 1903 Originally known as the Carte and Boehm Systems Combined, this system continued to be popular in Britain well into the 20th century, and Rudall Carte were still willing to supply 1867 system flutes in the 1960s. I was very fortunate to acquire this Rudall Rose, Nr 864 (c.1820) from Dr Sylvia Kewish who, in turn, had triumphantly intercepted its path to the refuse collection.
